In a dramatic pre-dawn operation at the Meru market complex, authorities detained 598 foreigners for violating immigration laws. The multi-agency raid, which commenced at 5:30am, witnessed desperate attempts by some individuals to evade arrest, with some crawling into drains and others scaling rooftops to escape enforcement officers.
Led by the Immigration Department’s deputy director-general (operations), Jafri Embok Taha, the large-scale operation inspected 628 foreign nationals, of whom 530 were from Myanmar, 85 from Bangladesh, seven from Indonesia, five from India, and one from Nepal. Those arrested, aged between 17 and 57, were found to be in breach of multiple immigration laws, including overstaying, lacking valid identification, and violating their visa conditions.
The detainees have been transported to the Semenyih immigration depot for further investigation. “Some individuals attempted to claim refugee status by showing United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) cards, but we will verify their authenticity before making a determination,” Jafri stated.
Authorities Intensify Crackdown Amid ‘Ali Baba’ Business Practices
Klang’s Mayor, Abd Hamid Hussain, raised concerns over the increasing number of foreign traders operating under local business licenses.
He revealed that nearly 50% of the 600 business lots licensed by the Klang Royal City Council (MBDK) had been rented out to foreigners, with some using the ‘Ali Baba’ practice, where locals acquire business permits and lease them to foreigners at inflated rates for profit.
Hamid emphasized that the facilities provided by MBDK are meant for local traders, yet many are exploiting the system to sublet these spaces to foreigners. Further inspections will be conducted to assess the extent of this misuse and take corrective action.
A Coordinated Effort to Restore Order
The operation involved 153 officers from multiple agencies, including the Immigration Department, National Registration Department, General Operations Force, and MBDK.
Authorities have vowed to continue such enforcement activities to curb illegal immigration, enforce business regulations, and restore order in Klang’s commercial areas.
With stringent actions underway, authorities warn that violators will face legal consequences, including prosecution and deportation under the Immigration Act, Passport Act 1966, Immigration Regulations Act 1963, and the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Act 2007.
As enforcement tightens, the crackdown serves as a warning to illegal operators and business owners engaging in unlawful leasing practices. Authorities remain steadfast in ensuring that local business opportunities remain in the hands of Malaysians while maintaining immigration integrity.
By: Kpost
Information Source: Fmt
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