JIM Uses Drones to Raid Illegal Immigrants

KUALA LUMPUR: The tactic of a group of undocumented immigrants (PATI) attempting to flee and hide from authorities failed when their movements were successfully detected through aerial surveillance using drones.

This swift action enabled the Malaysian Immigration Department (JIM) to detain 32 foreign nationals in a joint operation with the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) at a commercial area in Taman Kinrara, Puchong, here, yesterday.

JIM, in a statement, said the use of drones as a support asset significantly enhanced the effectiveness of the operation by assisting ground teams in identifying escape routes and hiding spots.

“This simultaneously prevented the foreign nationals from escaping in a more organised and safer manner.

“The operation, which began at 12 noon, involved 46 officers of various ranks from the JIM Enforcement Division, together with seven KPDN officers from Putrajaya,” it said.

According to the statement, following inspections of 117 individuals at 18 business premises, authorities detained 32 foreign nationals aged between 22 and 43, comprising citizens of Myanmar, Indonesia, India, Bangladesh and Pakistan.

“All of them were detained for various offences under the Immigration Act 1959/63 and the Immigration Regulations 1963.

“In addition to the arrests of foreign nationals, four copies of Form 29 (Summons) were also issued to Malaysian citizens to assist with the investigation. At the same time, KPDN imposed three compound actions under the Anti-Profiteering Act 2011, totalling RM600, against the premises owners,” he said.

He said all detained foreign nationals were taken to the Immigration Detention Depot for investigation and further action.

“JIM stresses that it will not compromise and will take firm action against any party found to be employing and harbouring PATI in this country,” he said.

Harian Metro