Malaysia detains 109 foreigners working illegally

Immigration officers in Malaysia apprehended 109 foreign nationals suspected of misusing tourist visas to work illegally. The arrests occurred during a raid on a commercial building in Jalan Ampang, Petaling Jaya, following public complaints about an increasing number of foreigners, especially Chinese nationals, in the vicinity.

Datuk Zakaria Shaaban, the Director-General of Immigration, stated that the operation, involving 58 officers, targeted two floors of the building. They inspected 120 individuals, including seven Malaysians and 113 foreigners from China, Bangladesh, Myanmar, and India. During the raid, the foreign nationals were observed actively engaged in renovation work within several units.

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The premises are believed to be prepared to operate as an exclusive entertainment club with layered security systems and controlled access. This action is thought to be a measure to limit public entry and prevent activities inside from being detected by authorities.

"The premises are believed to be prepared to operate as an exclusive entertainment club with layered security systems and controlled access," Shaaban explained in a statement. "This action is thought to be a measure to limit public entry and prevent activities inside from being detected by authorities."

Initial investigations suggest most of the detained foreigners entered Malaysia on social visit passes but were working without authorization, violating their visa conditions. Some were also found to have overstayed their visas or lacked valid travel documents. A local man was also arrested for allegedly managing the foreign workers at the site.

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Strict action will be taken against any party that hires and harbors illegal immigrants (PATI).