16 Myanmar nationals, including children, arrested in Malaysia during operations to arrest illegal foreign residents

Yangon, July 1 In Malaysia's Perlis and Terengganu states, the Immigration Department conducted surprise operations, resulting in the arrest of a total of 16 Myanmar nationals who lacked legal stay and work permits, according to a statement from the relevant Immigration Department. It was reported that on June 30, the Perlis State Immigration Department conducted surprise inspections of used goods stores, workers' dormitories, and some construction sites in Simpang Empat and Arau townships in Perlis state. During the inspections, 8 Myanmar national men who were working without legal visas and stay permits were arrested. It was learned that the arrested individuals have been charged under the provisions of the Immigration Act concerning residing and working in Malaysia without legal permission to stay and work, and have been sent to an immigration detention center for further necessary investigations. Similarly, in Terengganu state, the Immigration Department conducted operations in areas where illegal foreign residents were reported to be hiding, arresting 8 Myanmar nationals, including 2 children, as released by the Terengganu State Immigration Department. It was reported that these inspections were carried out by surprise on June 23 in residential areas in Kijal and Paka towns, as well as in workers' dormitories and workplaces in the Paka industrial zone. During the inspections, a total of 18 foreigners were checked, and 8 Myanmar nationals were found and arrested for lacking legal travel and stay permits. The statement indicated that those arrested included individuals between the ages of 7 and 43, comprising 5 men, 1 woman, and 2 children. Currently, the arrested individuals have been sent to and are being held at the Ajil Immigration Detention Center to continue legal proceedings for entering and residing in Malaysia without valid travel documents and for violating immigration laws and regulations, and investigations are ongoing according to the law.