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AUTHORITIES in Hulu Selangor have detained 73 individuals suspected of being undocumented foreign nationals during a coordinated immigration operation, highlighting a trend of migrants settling in rural residential areas where rents are lower and detection by authorities is less likely.
The operation, conducted yesterday at the Seri Semarak Apartments, was carried out under the Selangor Immigration Department’s “Ops Kutip” initiative.
It involved 135 personnel from multiple agencies, including the National Registration Department, the National Anti-Drugs Agency, and the Hulu Selangor Municipal Council.
Khairrul Aminus Kamaruddin, Director of Selangor Immigration, said the operation uncovered 19 men from Myanmar, six men from Bangladesh, one man from India, 26 men from Pakistan, 17 Pakistani women, and four men from Nepal.
“Overall, 188 foreign nationals were inspected during the operation. Of these, 73 were suspected of committing various offences under the Immigration Act.
“The detainees ranged in age from one to 55 years. Most did not possess valid travel documents and were suspected of violating Section 6(1)(c), while a small number were overstaying under Section 15(1)(c),” he told reporters at a press conference.
Khairrul explained that the operation followed complaints from local residents who had expressed discomfort over the presence of certain foreign nationals, some of whom were frequently disruptive, intoxicated, or noisy.
“Some individuals ignored residents’ warnings. That is why these integrated operations will continue to ensure comprehensive enforcement measures.
“We were also informed that foreign nationals often share living spaces, with four to seven individuals per house, whether families or single tenants,” he said.
The operation also identified foreign nationals legally employed as security guards and construction workers in the Kuala Lumpur area.
Those detained were taken to the Semenyih Immigration Detention Depot for further investigation.
Khairrul urged foreign nationals who are overstaying or without valid documentation to take advantage of the Migrant Repatriation Programme, which runs until 30 April.
“They only need to purchase a one-way ticket back to their home country and pay RM520. We will not take enforcement action against those who come forward voluntarily,” he added.
