Immigration Raids Rohingya ‘Nest’ at Seri Kembangan Apartments
A total of 496 undocumented migrants were detained during a major operation by the Malaysian Immigration Department at a Rohingya “stronghold” located at the Putra Permai Selesa Apartments in Seri Kembangan, yesterday.
The raid, which began at 10pm, also uncovered an online gambling syndicate operating secretly from three second-floor units within one of the apartment blocks.
According to a Harian Metro reporter embedded in the operation, the units were fortified with CCTV systems and iron-grilled doors to deter law enforcement entry.
The integrated operation involved 217 personnel from Selangor and Kuala Lumpur Immigration, the Subang Jaya City Council (MBSJ), Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), Civil Defence Force (APM), and National Registration Department (JPN).
In an attempt to evade arrest, many migrants resorted to hiding in the ceiling cavities, causing parts of the ceiling to collapse. Some sustained injuries from falling.
Deputy Director-General (Operations) of Immigration, Jafri Embok Taha, said a total of 741 foreign nationals were screened across the four apartment blocks.
“Of those, 496 were detained, comprising 37 Indonesian men, 25 Indonesian women, 275 Myanmar men, 80 Myanmar women, and 30 Myanmar children.
“Others arrested included 15 Bangladeshi men, 14 Pakistani men, 13 Indian men, 3 Thai men, 1 Thai woman, 1 Cambodian woman, and **2 Cambodian children,” he added.
All detainees, aged between two months and 60 years, were transported to the Semenyih Immigration Depot for further verification.
Most of the foreigners were employed in nearby wholesale markets, grocery shops, and restaurants.
“The suspected offences include lack of identification documents, violation of visa conditions, overstaying, and possession of unrecognized cards, among other breaches under the Immigration Act 1959/63,” he explained.
He stressed that integrated enforcement operations will continue regularly, and warned employers against harboring illegal migrants, as it could result in legal consequences.
The public is urged to report any information related to undocumented migrants to assist Immigration in its enforcement efforts.