The Immigration department intensifies enforcement at Ramadan bazaars nationwide, detaining over 6,200 foreigners and 230 employers since January for various offences.
KAJANG: The Immigration Department of Malaysia (JIM) is intensifying enforcement operations at Ramadan bazaars across the country. This initiative aims to ensure business premises are free from illegal immigrants acting as traders or workers.
Deputy director-general (Operations) Datuk Lokman Effendi Ramli said enforcement will continue throughout the holy month. He led an operation in Bandar Sungai Long to underscore the department’s commitment.
“We will step up inspections at Ramadan bazaars to ensure they are free from illegal immigrant involvement,” he told reporters. He also warned employers against hiring or sheltering foreigners who violate immigration laws.
From January 1 until yesterday, the department conducted 1,700 enforcement operations nationwide. These operations inspected a total of 27,000 foreign nationals.
Of those inspected, 6,200 individuals were detained for various immigration offences. The majority of detainees came from Myanmar, Indonesia, Bangladesh, and China.
During the same period, 230 employers were also detained for violating provisions under the Immigration Act. The operation in Sungai Long last night resulted in 51 foreign workers being detained.
Checks on 463 individuals found 40 men and 11 women from Myanmar and Bangladesh. Their offences included lacking valid travel documents, overstaying, and misusing passes.
Plantation sector permit holders were found working illegally as restaurant staff. All detainees were taken to the KLIA Immigration Depot for further action.