IPOH: A raid at an entertainment centre here saw the arrest of 10 foreign women suspected to be working as guest relations officers (GROs).
Perak Immigration Department director Meor Hezbullah Meor Abd Malik said the women were all sweating profusely and in a weak condition when the officers found them hiding in a poorly ventilated secret room.
He said the women from Vietnam were believed to be hiding in the room for over an hour. It was fitted with an automatic remote control door.
Meor Hezbullah said this in a statement on Sunday (June 9).
He said the operation started on Saturday (June 8) at 8.30pm and ended at 12.30am on Sunday. Raids were carried out at four businesses and two residential premises in the city.
Meor Hezbullah said the raid was based on complaints, surveillance, and intelligence provided by the department.
“Out of the 79 foreign workers inspected, 42 have been detained for committing offences under the Immigration Act 1959/63 and the Immigration Regulations 1963.
“All those detained are aged two to 50,” he said.
He added that they are currently detained at the Ipoh Immigration depot for further investigation.
“We hope the community will continue to report to the department to help us combat the issue of illegals in the country.
“The department will also take strict action against any employer or individual found employing illegal foreigners, whether in business or residential premises without valid permits,” he added.
