Immigration Raid in Petaling Jaya: 11 Sri Lankan Nationals Detained for Immigration Offences

PETALING JAYA: The Immigration Department of Malaysia (Jabatan Imigresen Malaysia, JIM) has detained 11 Sri Lankan nationals following a targeted operation at a restaurant and bar in Petaling Jaya that employed foreign female workers as hostesses.

The raid was conducted based on public complaints and a week-long surveillance operation. A total of 40 officers from the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Money Laundering (ATIPSOM & AMLA) Division and the Intelligence and Special Operations Division (PASTAK) of JIM Putrajaya were involved in the operation.

During the raid, several foreign nationals attempted to evade arrest by hiding on the upper floors of the premises. Immigration authorities screened a total of 20 individuals, including 8 Malaysians and 12 Sri Lankan nationals. Out of these, 11 were arrested: 9 Sri Lankan women working as hostesses and 2 Sri Lankan men also employed at the establishment.

They are suspected of committing offenses under Section 6(1)(c) and Section 15(1)(c) of the Immigration Act 1959/63 [Act 155]. All patrons and workers were issued Form 29 (witness summons) for further investigation.

Initial investigations were also conducted to determine whether there were elements of human trafficking, guided by the National Guideline on Human Trafficking Indicators (NGHTI) 2.0. Authorities found no evidence of exploitation or violations under the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Act 2007 [Act 670].

The women, aged between 20 and 33, had reportedly been working at the premises for nearly a year, earning approximately RM2,000 per month. Oral testimonies revealed that most of their passports were withheld by the employer upon employment. The business model of the premises involved hiring Sri Lankan women as hostesses to entertain customers.

This is not the first time the premises have been raided by authorities; however, they have continued operations despite previous enforcement actions.

All detained individuals have been sent to the KLIA Immigration Detention Depot for further investigation and legal proceedings.

The Immigration Department reaffirmed its zero-tolerance stance toward individuals or entities involved in violations under the Immigration Act 1959/63, the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Act 2007, and the Passport Act 1966 [Act 150].