770 Undocumented Migrants Arrested in Bukit Bintang Immigration Raid

KUALA LUMPUR: The Immigration Department of Malaysia (JIM) detained 770 undocumented migrants during a major enforcement operation in Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur, last night. The two-hour raid, codenamed Ops Belanja, was conducted between 7.30 pm and 9.30 pm with the involvement of 106 enforcement officers.

According to JIM’s Enforcement Division Director, Basri Osman, a total of 2,445 individuals—comprising 1,600 foreigners and 845 locals, were inspected. Of these, 770 migrants, aged between 21 and 65, were found to have committed various immigration offenses.

“Their offenses included not possessing valid travel documents, overstaying their permits, and using fake or unrecognized identification cards,” Basri said.

The detainees comprised 377 Bangladeshis, 235 Myanmar nationals, 72 Nepalis, 58 Indians, 19 Indonesians, and several others of different nationalities. They have been taken to JIM’s headquarters in Putrajaya for documentation and screening before being transferred to detention depots in Beranang and Lenggeng.

Basri revealed that some migrants attempted to evade arrest by hiding in shops, under tables, and even on rooftops. “Despite challenges such as dark alleys and various escape tactics, enforcement officers managed to apprehend them,” he added.

The operation, launched following multiple public complaints about the presence of foreign nationals in Bukit Bintang, also uncovered an illegal online gambling den equipped with CCTV surveillance. Eight foreign nationals were arrested at the premises for gambling activities.

Further checks showed that undocumented migrants had been using nearby restaurants, shops, and houses as hiding places, while others were found working at construction sites. Some employers were discovered to have rented premises to accommodate undocumented workers.

Basri stressed that all detainees will face action under the Immigration Act and reminded the public and employers not to shelter or employ undocumented migrants or risk legal consequences.