Malaysian Authorities cracked down on illegal immigrants at the Selayang market

 In a significant enforcement operation, Malaysian law enforcement agencies conducted a raid at Pasar Selayang Utama, resulting in the detention of 142 Bangladeshi nationals for alleged immigration violations.

The operation, carried out by the Immigration Department in collaboration with Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) and the Selayang Municipal Council (MPS), targeted foreign nationals operating without valid documentation. Similar past operations have targeted individuals lacking proper travel documents or overstaying their visas, but the details of this raid remain undisclosed.

Pasar Selayang Utama has been a focal point for such enforcement actions. In March 2025, a joint operation by DBKL and MPS at Pasar Harian Selayang led to the seizure of goods from unlicensed traders, including four stalls operated by foreigners. Earlier, in January 2024, authorities detained 108 undocumented immigrants during a raid at the same market.

These operations are part of Malaysia’s broader efforts to regulate undocumented immigration and ensure compliance with local laws. The Immigration Department has emphasized that such enforcement actions will continue, aiming to uphold the country’s immigration regulations and maintain public order.

All detainees from the recent raid are expected to undergo further processing under the Immigration Act 1959/63. Authorities have urged the public to report any suspicious activities or individuals lacking valid documentation to assist in these ongoing efforts.