PETALING JAYA: A total of 37,313 undocumented migrants and 1,809 employers have been arrested in Immigration Department enforcement operations nationwide between Jan 1 and Sept 29 this year, Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said.
Of the employers arrested, 1,692 were Malaysians accused of employing or harbouring undocumented migrants, he said in a statement posted on his social media platforms today.
Saifuddin said the Immigration Department carried out 10,374 enforcement operations during the period, involving checks on 137,603 individuals.
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He said the number of employers arrested showed that enforcement would not be confined to undocumented migrants, but would also target those who employed, protected or profited from them.
“Enforcement cannot only focus on undocumented migrants, but must also reach those who employ, protect and take advantage of their presence,” he said.
According to figures shared by Saifuddin, the number of employer arrests rose from 346 in 2023 to 1,859 in 2024 and 2,202 last year, while 1,809 had been arrested in the first nine months of this year.
He said the Home Ministry and Immigration Department would continue carrying out daily enforcement operations nationwide, rather than limiting action to periods when the issue attracted public attention.
Saifuddin said the authorities were adopting a more proactive approach to disrupt networks involved in immigration offences, regardless of the individuals or parties involved.
He also warned foreign nationals that those entering Malaysia for work or visits must do so through legal channels.
Any illegal entry, document forgery or overstaying would result in enforcement action, he said.
Saifuddin issued a stronger warning to Malaysian employers, saying those who knowingly employed or sheltered undocumented migrants were contributing to the problem.
“Employing and protecting undocumented migrants for easy profit means you are also contributing to threats against national security.
“KDN and Immigration are pursuing those involved. There will be no room to hide from legal action,” he said.
He also urged Malaysians not to harbour undocumented migrants and to co-operate with enforcement authorities.
Saifuddin described the issue as extending beyond immigration enforcement, saying it also had implications for the economy, security and public order.
He said the ministry and Immigration Department would continue efforts to address the longstanding issue while calling on employers and the public to play their part in reducing demand for undocumented labour.
