The Johor Immigration Department conducted raids, known as ‘Ops Belanja’ and ‘Ops Selera’, at a supermarket in Tampoi, Johor Baru, on Friday (Dec 8), resulting in the arrest of 114 foreigners suspected of working without valid permits.
The State Immigration director, Baharuddin Tahir, revealed that the raids, carried out by 90 enforcement personnel, were prompted by a week’s worth of intelligence gathered following a public complaint about the presence of foreigners at the premises.
The detainees included 51 men from Myanmar, 42 individuals from Indonesia (34 men and 8 women), 10 male Bangladeshis, 8 male Nepalese, and 3 Indian men, ranging in age from 19 to 58 years old.
“The arrests were made due to the failure of the detainees to produce valid travel documents. They are also suspected of overstaying, misusing the Social Visit Pass, and violating the conditions of their passes,” Baharuddin said in a statement on Monday (Dec 11).
Baharuddin disclosed that the case is being investigated under Section 6(1) and Section 15(1) of the Immigration Act 1959/1963, as well as Rule 11(7)(a) and Rule 39(b) of the Immigration Regulations 1963.
“All detainees have been placed at the Setia Tropika Immigration Depot for further investigation and action,” Baharuddin added.
He also urged foreigners to take advantage of the ongoing Labour Recalibration Programme 2.0, which will conclude on Dec 31. – Bernama
