Malaysian authorities raid foreign worker residences, arrest illegal immigrants

Malaysian authorities have been conducting successive raids on areas where many foreign workers, including Myanmar nationals, reside, arresting illegal immigrants, according to reports from some Malaysian media. On July 12, a large number of officials from the Malaysian Immigration Department entered and inspected an area in Klang city, Selangor state, Malaysia, which is a major residential area for Bangladeshis, Myanmar nationals, and Nepalis, as well as the vicinity of the MyDinn supermarket and the Klang bus station. During the inspection, disturbances also occurred, and at the time of arrest, migrants attempted to hide among nearby shops, while some tried to flee. However, Malaysian authorities blocked and arrested those attempting to flee, as reported by Malaysia Gazette. A merchant, who wished to remain anonymous, reported to Malaysia TV3 that the area is a place where foreign workers frequently gather and visit on holidays and days off, and that some areas emit foul odors due to betel nut chewing and spitting. In the inspection that began at 10:30 AM on July 12, 1183 foreign workers were inspected, and 98 foreign workers were arrested. According to Malaysian news, those arrested included 47 Bangladeshis, 15 Indonesians, 12 Indians, 12 Myanmar nationals, 11 Nepalis, and one from another country. It is known that those arrested are between the ages of 20 and 56, consisting of 91 men and 7 women. All those arrested have been placed in the (Cumin) Immigration Detention Center for investigation and further action under the Immigration Act 1959, 1963. Similarly, on July 13, it was observed that Malaysian authorities were conducting large-scale raids and arrests at the KWC Mall in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, with some Myanmar workers currently in Malaysia posting videos and writings on social media.