630 foreigners detained in Kedah immigration raid
KUALA LUMPUR: The Immigration Department detained 630 foreigners during an enforcement operation at a construction site in Padang Meha, Kulim.
The Immigration Department of Malaysia detained 630 foreigners during a raid at a construction site in Padang Meha, Kulim, on Wednesday. Kedah Immigration Director Mohd Ridzzuan Mohd Zain revealed that 159 officers participated in the operation, known as Ops Mega. Officers inspected a total of 697 individuals, of which 630 were foreigners aged between 18 and 50.
The largest group consisted of 396 Chinese nationals, followed by 199 Bangladeshis, 10 Pakistanis, seven from Myanmar, five Indians, four Ghanaians, three Nigerians, two Kenyans, two Indonesians, one from New Zealand, and one Senegalese. The detainees were apprehended for various immigration violations under the Immigration Act 1959/63 and the relevant regulations.
Six witness summonses were issued to aid investigations. The operation faced challenges, including suspects attempting to hide in hazardous areas and confrontational behavior by some detainees, which required swift action from the officers. Heavy rain further complicated the situation, making surfaces slippery and access routes muddy.
Unfinished building structures and other construction hazards posed safety risks to the officers. The department emphasized the importance of employers ensuring that foreign workers possess valid travel documents and immigration passes or permits, and compliance with immigration regulations. The department plans to intensify enforcement to maintain adherence to the country's immigration laws.
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