More than 45,000 foreigners sent home this year

The Malaysian immigration authorities have detained over 65,000 foreigners for various offenses this year, with more than 45,000 of them being sent back to their home countries, according to a senior official. Bangladesh, Indonesia, and Myanmar nationals were among those most frequently repatriated, reported Lokman Effendi Ramli, a deputy director-general of immigration. Between January 1 and October 15, inspections were carried out on more than 146,000 foreigners, with an average of more than 38 operations per day.

Among the most common reasons for detention were the lack of valid documents or permits to stay in Malaysia, overstaying, and abusing passes or permits, such as working illegally while on a social visit visa. In a recent operation at a construction site in Kubang Kerian, 55 foreigners were detained and subjected to further inspection.

Additionally, in a morning operation, officials apprehended a Myanmar man suspected of transporting 10 compatriots attempting to leave Malaysia via illegal routes. These individuals, aged between 20 and 34, allegedly paid around RM3,500 each for the smuggling operation, having traveled from Johor Bahru and Kuala Lumpur via Wakaf Che Yeh.