46 Myanmar nationals arrested in operation to crack down on illegal immigrants in Malaysia

Yangon, July 15 Authorities in Malaysia's Johor and Kedah states conducted joint "Opsy" operations, including cordon searches and surprise raids, resulting in the arrest of 175 illegal immigrants, including 46 Myanmar nationals, according to statements from the respective state immigration departments. On July 13, under the supervision of the Johor State Director of Immigration, immigration officers from various districts and townships within the state jointly carried out a special operation to suppress foreigners engaging in illegal economic activities and those violating immigration laws, it was reported. During the operation, surprise raids were conducted on locations suspected of being used by foreigners for illegal business operations and on businesses where foreigners were suspected of working illegally, it was reported. Through these inspections, 153 foreigners aged between 19 and 51 were arrested for violations of immigration laws, including the misuse of temporary work permits, overstaying their visas, and lacking proper travel documentation, it was reported. Among the 153 arrested, 31 were Myanmar nationals, comprising 21 males and 10 females. Additionally, 78 Indonesians, 31 Bangladeshis, 10 Pakistanis, 2 Indians, and 1 Nepali national were also arrested, it was reported. Currently, the 153 foreigners, including the 31 arrested Myanmar nationals, have been transferred to the Setia Tropika Immigration Detention Centre for further investigation and legal action under the Immigration Act, it was reported. Similarly, in Kedah state's Kuala Muda district, authorities conducted joint surprise raids on businesses, leading to the arrest of 22 illegal immigrants, including 15 Myanmar nationals, according to a statement from the Kedah State Immigration Department. Around 10 a.m. on July 13, the Kedah Immigration team, in collaboration with officers from the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs (KPDN), conducted surprise raids on eight businesses in the Kuala Muda district as part of the "Opsy" operation, it was reported. During these inspections, a total of 76 individuals, including 52 Malaysian citizens and 24 foreigners, were brought in for questioning, and 22 foreigners aged between 18 and 45 who had violated immigration laws were arrested, it was reported. Among the 22 arrested individuals were 15 Myanmar nationals, 4 Indonesians, 2 Bangladeshis, and 1 Thai national, it was reported. Authorities stated that they were arrested under the Immigration Act for lacking valid visas and travel documents for residing and working in Malaysia, overstaying their visas, and violating visa regulations. Currently, the 22 foreigners, including the 15 arrested Myanmar nationals, have been transferred to the Belantik Immigration Detention Centre for further investigation and legal action, it was reported. The post 46 Myanmar nationals arrested in operation to crack down on illegal immigrants in Malaysia appeared first on Khit Thit Media.