Immigration identifies 224 hotspots linked to undocumented migrants
KUALA LUMPUR: The Immigration Department has identified 224 hotspots nationwide linked to the presence and activities of foreigners, including illegal settlements and overcrowded rental houses.
The Immigration Department in Malaysia has pinpointed 224 strategic locations across the country where undocumented migrants are known to be present and active. These include illegal settlements, overcrowded rental houses, workers' quarters at construction sites, and business premises dominated by foreigners. Director-General Datuk Zakaria Shaaban emphasized the need for focused attention and enforcement in these areas.
Over the past year, from 2023 to June 15, the department conducted 16,431 Operation Sapu raids targeting various illegal settlements. In total, 50,382 foreigners were detained for various violations of the Immigration Act during this period. The status of a location as a hotspot is dynamic and subject to continuous assessment based on intelligence, public complaints, enforcement operations, and current analysis.
The department will maintain targeted enforcement efforts while fostering cooperation with local authorities and other enforcement agencies. Employers and individuals who hire or shelter undocumented migrants may also face legal consequences. This proactive approach involves intelligence-led operations, data analysis, and information-sharing to identify high-risk locations and strengthen enforcement efforts.
Addressing this complex issue demands a comprehensive, multi-agency strategy, encompassing enforcement actions and efforts to eradicate the root causes enabling undocumented migrants to remain and work illegally in Malaysia.
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