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Foreign nationals in Klang's Lorong Kepayang, Bus Stand targeted in crackdown
🇲🇾 Malaysia /Crime & Justice

Foreign nationals in Klang's Lorong Kepayang, Bus Stand targeted in crackdown

From Utusan Malaysia · () Malay

Translated from Malay, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Context piece
  • Authorities in Klang, Malaysia, conducted a joint operation targeting foreign nationals in the Lorong Kepayang and Bus Stand areas.
  • The operation involved multiple agencies, including Immigration, Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry, SSM, and National Registration Department.
  • Many foreign nationals, including Indonesians, Bangladeshis, and Rohingya refugees, were detained for checks, with some attempting to evade authorities.

A coordinated operation involving multiple Malaysian authorities descended upon Lorong Kepayang and the Klang 'Bus Stand' area, known hubs for foreign nationals, particularly on weekends. The raid, which began at noon, saw foreign workers attempting to flee upon the arrival of law enforcement.

It's been going on for more than 10 years, as I've been doing business here with my mother. I'm not sure if some foreign nationals selling goods here actually have licenses.

— Local vendorDescribing the long-standing presence of foreign nationals and their businesses in Lorong Kepayang.

During the operation, individuals were detained for random checks. Some reportedly tried to escape even after being apprehended and gathered in an open area between three blocks of shop houses. The presence of foreign nationals in these areas has been a long-standing issue, with a local vendor noting that the location has been a popular spot for them to shop for goods for personal use or to take back to their home countries for over a decade.

The operation included personnel from the Malaysian Immigration Department (JIM) Selangor, the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living, the Companies Commission of Malaysia (SSM), and the National Registration Department (JPN). Over 1,000 foreign nationals were inspected, comprising individuals from Indonesia, Bangladesh, Myanmar, India, and other countries, including Rohingya refugees holding UNHCR cards.

Indeed, there is fear, which is why I only open my shop selling various goods and drinks until the afternoon. I don't open at night. But so far, I have never seen them involved in fights or other crimes.

— Local vendorExpressing a sense of fear due to the crowd but noting the absence of criminal activity among foreign nationals.

Despite concerns about overcrowding, local businesses in the area continue to operate. A taxi driver in his 70s mentioned that foreign nationals are among his main customers, frequently using his services to travel to and from these shopping areas. While acknowledging past incidents, he stated that he has not witnessed the foreign nationals involved in fights or other criminal activities, noting the area's vibrancy, especially during festive seasons.

If you want to go to this area from other places, it's usually foreign nationals who take my taxi. This is where they buy various necessities and then return using my taxi. There was a raid before, then they came back.

— Elderly taxi driverDescribing his customer base and the recurring nature of foreign nationals frequenting the area.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Utusan Malaysia in Malay. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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