Malaysia Immigration Cracks Down on Illegal Workers in ‘Ops Mahir’, 62 Foreign Nationals Detained in Selangor

The Malaysian Immigration Department (JIM) carried out a major enforcement operation, known as Ops Mahir, targeting illegal foreign workers and non-compliant employers in Shah Alam and Puchong, Selangor, resulting in the detention of 62 undocumented migrants.

The operation, which began at 10:55am on Tuesday, involved 66 immigration enforcement officers supported by 12 officers from the National Registration Department (JPN). Authorities focused on industrial and logistics sectors identified as high-risk areas for the employment of undocumented workers.

During the operation, two premises were inspected, with 112 individuals screened. Following detailed checks, immigration officers detained 62 foreign nationals for various immigration offences.

Those arrested included 56 Bangladeshi nationals, four Nepali nationals, one Indian national, and one Indonesian national.

Initial investigations revealed that some of the detainees were allegedly using Temporary Employment Visit Passes (PLKS) registered under different companies to conceal their employment at other premises. Authorities believe the individuals were working for employers different from those listed in their official permits, indicating possible abuse of work passes and involvement of irresponsible employers.

The Immigration Department said such actions not only violate permit conditions but also suggest a deliberate attempt to exploit the immigration system for certain interests. Officials have not ruled out the possibility of a larger network behind the violations, and further investigations are ongoing to identify and take action against those involved.

Among the offences identified were failing to possess valid identification documents under Section 6(1)(c) of the Immigration Act 1959/63, overstaying under Section 15(1)(c) of the same act, and misuse of passes in violation of Regulation 39(b) of the Immigration Regulations 1963.

In addition, three witness summonses (Form 29) were issued to assist ongoing investigations.

All detainees have been transferred to the Immigration Depots in Semenyih and KLIA for documentation and further legal proceedings.

Immigration Director-General Datuk Zakaria Shaaban stressed that the department will show no compromise towards any party found violating Malaysia’s immigration laws, including both foreign workers and employers.

He added that continuous enforcement operations will be carried out to safeguard national sovereignty and security.