Immigration Department Raids ‘Little Pakistan’, Detains 196 Illegal Immigrants

Kuala Lumpur, Sept 27 (VoM): The Immigration Department detained 196 illegal immigrants during a major raid on an area known as “Little Pakistan” along Jalan Sultan Azlan Shah on Friday night.

Kuala Lumpur Immigration director Wan Mohammed Saupee Wan Yusoff said the operation, which ran from 9 p.m. to 11:30 p.m., targeted 45 business premises, including restaurants, grocery stores, and hotels, across a one-kilometer stretch.

“A total of 400 individuals were screened, resulting in the detention of 196 illegal immigrants, 184 men and 12 women aged between 12 and 60. They included 150 Pakistanis, six Indonesians, 21 Bangladeshis, 10 Indians, two Jordanians, four Nepalese, two Filipinos, and one Sri Lankan,” Wan Mohammed Saupee told reporters.

The detainees were arrested under Section 6(1)(c) and Section 15(1)(c) of the Immigration Act 1959/63 for lacking valid travel documents and overstaying. Many were reportedly employed at local restaurants serving Pakistani cuisine, with several found in violation of immigration laws.

Three local employers suspected of hiring the undocumented workers were also detained. They are being investigated under Section 56(1)(d) and Section 55B of the same act.

The multi-agency operation also saw Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) confiscate 52 tables and 204 chairs for obstructing public areas. Meanwhile, the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry issued five compounds worth RM5,500 for offenses involving price labeling and weighing instruments. The Companies Commission of Malaysia additionally issued seven compounds for offenses linked to business signboards and company registration.