Two individuals, one from Myanmar and the other from Bangladesh, were apprehended by the Immigration Department in Kuala Lumpur during a targeted operation. The arrests took place on Wednesday, with the men suspected of being the masterminds behind a syndicate involved in foreign worker activities. Both suspects, aged 50 and 52, were taken into custody for allegedly violating laws such as the Immigration Act 1959/63, the Passport Act 1966, and the Immigration Regulations 1963.
According to Datuk Ruslin Jusoh, the director-general of Immigration, the suspects were detained at the Putrajaya Immigration Depot for further legal procedures. He revealed that the alleged modus operandi of the syndicate involved acting as agents for the Workforce Recalibration Programme (RTK 2.0) by primarily targeting Bangladeshi and Indonesian nationals. The syndicate reportedly charged fees ranging from RM1,500 to RM2,000 per person for assisting in the registration process under the RTK 2.0 program, indicating that they had been operating for approximately a year.
Investigations uncovered that one of the suspects possessed Permanent Resident (PR) status, while the other held a valid Temporary Work Visit Pass (PLKS) for the Service Sector in Malaysia and both were married to local residents. Additionally, the Immigration Department seized RM91,550 in cash, 12 Bangladeshi passports, Indonesian passport copies, company-related documents, RTK program application forms, and three mobile phones in connection with the case.
Furthermore, three individuals from the local community have been summoned to the immigration office to aid in the ongoing investigation. The actions taken by the Immigration Department signify a proactive approach to combating illegal activities related to foreign workers and ensuring compliance with immigration laws and regulations.
These recent developments serve as a reminder of the importance of monitoring and addressing syndicates involved in illegal practices, especially concerning foreign worker recruitment and exploitation. By cracking down on such operations, authorities aim to safeguard the integrity of the immigration system and protect the rights of both foreign workers and local citizens.
Efforts to combat syndicates engaged in human trafficking and labor exploitation are crucial in upholding the rule of law and promoting a fair and just society. The collaboration between law enforcement agencies and relevant authorities plays a vital role in detecting, investigating, and prosecuting those involved in criminal activities that exploit vulnerable individuals.
Moving forward, continuous vigilance and enforcement actions are essential to deter and dismantle syndicates that operate with impunity and disregard for legal standards. The arrests made by the Immigration Department underscore the commitment to upholding the law and ensuring the safety and well-being of all individuals residing in Malaysia.
With the cooperation of the public and various stakeholders, efforts to combat illegal practices related to foreign worker recruitment and exploitation can be strengthened, leading to a more robust and secure environment for all individuals within the country.
It is imperative to remain vigilant and proactive in safeguarding the rights and welfare of foreign workers, preventing exploitation and abuse, and upholding the principles of justice and fairness in all aspects of immigration and labor practices.
