Immigration authorities compound 347 employers nearly RM6 million for hiring illegal immigrants, with over 130 foreigners detained in a recent integrated operation.
KUALA LUMPUR: Immigration authorities have issued compounds totalling nearly RM6 million against 347 employers in the first two months of this year.
The employers were penalised for hiring and harbouring illegal immigrants, according to Immigration director-general Datuk Zakaria Shaaban.
He stated that this firm action is part of ongoing efforts to address employer non-compliance with the country’s laws.
“Our enforcement will focus more on employers because as long as action is not taken against them, foreigners will feel it is easy to work illegally in our country,” Zakaria said.
He made these remarks during a press conference following an integrated operation at an iron factory in Balakong, Cheras.
Zakaria added that if all employers act responsibly, the pull factor for illegal entry would be reduced.
Last year, enforcement actions resulted in 1,939 employers being compounded a total of RM36.646 million.
In today’s joint operation with Customs and the Environment Department, authorities inspected 162 foreigners.
A total of 133 individuals were detained for various immigration offences in Balakong and Shah Alam.
The offences included failing to possess valid travel documents, overstaying, and misuse of passes.
Those detained comprised 131 men and two women aged between 20 and 45.
They included nationals from Bangladesh (65), Myanmar (17), Pakistan (18), Nepal (15), Indonesia (11), India (4), China (2), and Vietnam (1).
Customs officials also seized several boxes of uncustomed alcoholic beverages and cigarettes believed to belong to the detained foreigners.
All individuals are being investigated under the Immigration Act, Passport Act, and Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act.