Immigration officers cut through grilles to raid hostel, detain 98

Johor Baru: Immigration officers had to forcefully breach metal grilles and forcibly unlock doors to infiltrate a makeshift hostel in Kampung Ungku Mohsin, resulting in the apprehension of 98 undocumented migrants. The operation commenced at 12.30am, with some foreign laborers attempting to conceal themselves while others made haste to flee into an adjoining residential zone.

Certain individuals were discovered hiding in dimly lit and congested ceiling alcoves, seemingly trying to elude apprehension; however, their attempts proved ineffectual as the compound was encircled by Immigration personnel. The two-hour operation entailed 105 personnel and was overseen by Johor Immigration deputy director Nor Faizal Rahim.

Approximately 20 adjacent terrace houses, allegedly leased by foreign laborers, were also scrutinized. The 98 detainees consisted of 72 men and 26 women from Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Indonesia, and Myanmar, all believed to be employed by diverse businesses in the surrounding vicinity. Preliminary examinations revealed that the detainees were suspected of contravening the Immigration Act 1959, encompassing offenses such as unauthorized entry into Malaysia, overstaying, and misuse of valid passes or permits. All detainees have been transferred to the Setia Tropika Immigration Detention Depot.