Eight Thais held for running tomyam businesses on visit passes
BALIK PULAU: Eight Thai citizens were arrested for allegedly operating tomyam eateries using social visit passes and border passes during an integrated operation in Balik Pulau.
On a night-time operation in Balik Pulau, eight Thai nationals were apprehended for allegedly running tomyam eateries using invalid social visit passes and border passes, according to the Penang Immigration Department. The coordinated raid, carried out in conjunction with the Penang Island City Council, the Companies Commission of Malaysia, and the Department of Labour, was prompted by public complaints about foreign-run businesses.
The operation concluded at one in the morning, targeting establishments suspected of operating without proper authorization. Five men and three women, aged between 30 and 40, were arrested during the search and subsequently taken to the Jawi Immigration Depot for further scrutiny and potential disciplinary action. These individuals were allegedly using social visit passes and border passes to operate their businesses.
The Jawi Immigration Director, Syamsul Fitry Ahmad, emphasized that the eight suspects would face consequences for their actions. Additionally, during the same operation, the local council confiscated all equipment from two premises. Ahmad urged business operators, especially those running tomyam restaurants, to adhere to the procedures governing business operations and foreign worker recruitment.
He highlighted the existence of a special pass for tomyam business operators and stressed the importance of employers ensuring that the recruitment of workers complies with all established procedures.
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