Immigration Department Cracks Down on Illegal Foreign Workers at Highway R&R Stop

SEPANG: The Immigration Department of Malaysia (JIM) conducted an integrated enforcement operation at the Dengkil Rest and Service Area (R&R) along the North South Expressway Central Link (ELITE) southbound, uncovering illegal employment of foreign workers at business premises.

The raid, carried out with 30 officers from the Immigration Enforcement Division, Putrajaya, was supported by the National Registration Department (JPN). Acting on public complaints and a week-long intelligence-gathering effort, authorities inspected 39 individuals, comprising 27 foreigners and 12 Malaysians.

Investigators found that employers were hiring foreign nationals at kiosks and business outlets within the R&R area using various irregular methods, including misuse of other companies’ Temporary Employment Visit Passes (PLKS) and Social Visit Passes to evade detection.

As a result of the operation, 20 foreign nationals aged between 23 and 40 were detained. Those arrested included 11 Indonesian men, seven Indonesian women, and two Bangladeshi men.

They are believed to have committed offences under Section 6(1)(c) and Section 15(1)(c) of the Immigration Act 1959/63 and Regulation 39(b) of the Immigration Regulations 1963. In addition, five Form 29 (witness summonses) were issued to Malaysian nationals to assist in the investigation.

All detainees have been sent to the KLIA Immigration Depot for further investigation and legal action.

JIM reiterated that it will not tolerate illegal foreign business activities, overstaying, or abuse of immigration passes in Malaysia. The department also warned that strict action will be taken against any parties found employing or sheltering undocumented migrants.