HOTSPOTS IN SELAYANG BARU RAIDED, 843 ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS NABBED

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 7 (Bernama) -- A total of 843 illegal immigrants were detained in an Integrated Operation in Selayang Baru, near here last night, after being suspected of committing various offences under the Immigration Act.

Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari, who is also the chairman of the State Security Committee, said they consisted of 808 men and 35 women aged 21 to 53, involving Indonesians, Bangladeshis, Indians, Myanmar, Nepalese and Pakistanis.

"This operation was carried out after receiving complaints from the community about the influx of foreign workers, including those operating businesses on the side of the road. Intelligence was conducted before the inspection was carried out," he said at a press conference after participating in the operation.

He said similar operations had also been carried out previously in Seri Muda, Selangor Wholesale Market and several other locations.

Also participating in the operation last night were Immigration Department deputy director-general (operations) Datuk Lokman Effendi Ramli, Selangor police chief Datuk Shazeli Kahar, Selangor Immigration director Khairul Aminus Kamaruddin as well as 358 members of various security agencies including Immigration Department, police, armed forces, Registration Department and local authorities.

Amirudin said the operation also arrested two locals on suspicion of drug abuse.

He said all those arrested were suspected of not having identification documents, violating pass conditions, overstaying, using unrecognised card, and other immigration offences, before being taken to the Semenyih Immigration Depot for further investigation.

Commenting on the claim that the low rental cost attracted foreigners to live in Selayang Baru, he said that this factor was more driven by demand and supply, as well as its proximity to the city centre and is the focus of trade activities and daily jobs.

Amirudin said the previous integrated operation at the Selangor Wholesale Market had also had a positive impact on the community.

"This operation will continue to detect, arrest, prosecute and deport foreigners who violate the law, in accordance with the Immigration Act 1959/63, the Passport Act 1966, the Immigration Regulations 1963 and the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Act 2007," he said.

Amirudin also issued a warning to employers to use legal channels when employing foreign workers to avoid disruption of business operations and ensure national security.

-- BERNAMA