21 Undocumented Migrants Arrested in Johor Baru Crackdown on Illegal Activities

JOHOR BARU, May 6 : A series of coordinated enforcement raids by Malaysia’s Immigration Department has led to the arrest of 21 undocumented foreign workers across multiple locations in Johor Baru.

Johor Immigration director Mohd Rusdi Mohd Darus said the operations were conducted around noon on Tuesday (May 5), targeting premises suspected of involvement in illegal activities, including online gambling centres, rental properties, and beauty establishments.

A total of 15 premises were inspected, along with 50 individuals, during the raids. Authorities found that several mobile phone shops were being used as fronts for illegal online gambling operations, while some rental houses were providing shelter to foreigners without valid travel documents.

“Out of those inspected, 21 individuals were detained for various immigration-related offences,” Mohd Rusdi said in a statement.

Investigations revealed that the detainees had entered Malaysia using social visit passes but later violated the terms by engaging in unauthorized employment and overstaying. Those arrested, aged between 23 and 50, include five Indonesian men, 14 Indonesian women, and two Myanmar women.

All detainees are currently being held at the Setia Tropika Immigration Depot in Johor Baru for further investigation and action.

Authorities are probing the case under multiple legal provisions, including Regulation 39(b) of the Immigration Regulations 1963, Section 6(1)(c) of the Immigration Act 1959/63 (Act 155), and Section 15(1)(c) of the same Act.

In addition to the arrests, three individuals were issued summonses to assist in the ongoing investigation.

The Immigration Department reiterated its commitment to intensifying enforcement efforts against illegal immigration and unlawful business activities, warning that strict action will continue to be taken against those who violate Malaysian laws.