Immigration Department detains 175 foreigners in Ipoh operation

The Malaysian Immigration Department detained 175 foreign nationals during ‘Ops Mahir’, an enforcement operation conducted across three locations in Ipoh, including Bercham. The operation, which began at 7:00 PM on Friday, involved the inspection of 305 workers at a timber factory, a glove factory, and a food court.

Immigration Director-General Datuk Zakaria Shaaban stated that the detainees, primarily citizens of Bangladesh with others from Myanmar and Vietnam, were suspected of violating the Immigration Act 1959/63. Violations included working without valid documents or permits, as well as holding permits that were not valid for their current employers.

Authorities also detected instances of fraudulent Temporary Employment Visit Passes (PLKS) believed to be obtained through agents. Investigations are ongoing to identify the modus operandi of these syndicates and determine if employers are utilizing agents to secure forged documentation.