No free pass for foreigners who break the law, IGP says as arrests since 2024 near 97,000
KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 14 — Police will take firm action against any violation of the law and criminal conduct involvin...
Malaysia's Inspector-General of Police, Tan Sri Mohd Khalid Ismail, has emphasized that the police will not tolerate any breaches of the law by foreigners within the country. In recent years, the number of arrests involving foreigners for criminal activities has risen significantly, reaching nearly 97,000 from 2024 to September 2026, according to CID records.
In 2024, 33,136 foreign nationals were arrested, and this number increased to 36,740 in the following year, marking a 3,604 arrest rise or 10.9 percent growth. So far this year, 26,968 arrests have been recorded from January to September 2026.
The Inspector-General stressed that the police adhere strictly to the principle of equality before the law and will enforce the law equally, regardless of an individual's status, position, or nationality. The police are also planning to enhance collaboration with other government agencies through integrated operations, intelligence sharing, and effective enforcement measures.
The police have urged the public to continue assisting them by providing information on criminal activities. These statements come in the aftermath of a violent incident in Desa Aman Puri, Kepong, where a police officer's hand was severed by an allegedly unstable foreign man before he was shot dead by police. The suspect, a 26-year-old lance corporal from the Gombak district police headquarters, had his hand reattached at a hospital and is reported to have some finger movement.
The suspect was not a registered tenant of the apartment where the incident occurred. Selangor police are investigating the suspect's mental health.
The Home Minister, Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, directed the police to conduct a thorough investigation, while Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim condemned the attack. It has been reported that the police have been directed to take a firm stance against any violation of the law, especially by foreigners. This follows the government's commitment in June to intensify enforcement against foreign nationals abusing business licenses and visas, due to escalating public complaints.
Written by urgent.news from Malay Mail's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
