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A TOTAL of 496 undocumented migrants were detained during a large-scale operation by the Malaysian Immigration Department (JIM) at the Putra Permai Selesa Apartments in Seri Kembangan, believed to be a major settlement area for the Rohingya community.
The late-night raid, which began at 10pm, also uncovered online gambling operations concealed within three second-floor flats in one of the apartment blocks.
A Harian Metro journalist who accompanied the enforcement team reported that the units were fitted with closed-circuit television (CCTV) systems and reinforced metal doors to delay access by authorities.
The raid was conducted jointly by 217 personnel from Selangor and Kuala Lumpur Immigration, Subang Jaya City Council (MBSJ), the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), Civil Defence Force (APM), and the National Registration Department (JPN).
In a desperate bid to avoid arrest, some migrants attempted to hide in ceiling spaces, which eventually gave way under the weight, causing several individuals to fall and sustain injuries.
Deputy Director-General (Operations) of the Immigration Department, Jafri Embok Taha, said that 741 foreign nationals were screened during the raid across four apartment blocks.
“Of that number, 496 were detained, comprising 37 Indonesian men and 25 women, 275 Myanmar men, 80 Myanmar women and 30 children from Myanmar.
“Others included 15 Bangladeshi men, 13 and 14 Pakistani men respectively from two separate groups, three Thai men, one Thai woman, one Cambodian woman and two Cambodian children,” he said.
All detainees, aged between two months and 60 years, were transported to the Semenyih Immigration Detention Depot for further screening.
According to authorities, most of those arrested were employed in the surrounding area, particularly at wholesale markets, grocery stores and restaurants.
“Among the suspected offences were lack of identification documents, visa violations, overstaying, and possession of unrecognised cards, all of which contravene the Immigration Act 1959/63,” said Jafri.
He emphasised that such integrated operations would continue regularly and warned employers against harbouring undocumented migrants.
“Immigration urges members of the public with information about undocumented migrants to come forward to assist in enforcement efforts,” he added. - July 16, 2025