CAMERON HIGHLANDS, 20 November 2025 – The Malaysian Immigration Department (Jabatan Imigresen Malaysia, JIM) today successfully conducted a large-scale enforcement operation, known as “Ops Gempur”, targeting illegal immigrants across strategic locations in Cameron Highlands and the Lojing area, Kelantan.
Commencing at 11.00 am, the operation mobilised 547 immigration officers of various ranks from across the country. The enforcement effort was divided into four main zones covering key towns including Tanah Rata, Brinchang, Ringlet, Kea Farm, Tringkap, and Taman Corina.
In a press conference, Director-General of Immigration YBhg. Dato’ Zakaria bin Shaaban confirmed that a total of 1,886 individuals were checked during the operation, comprising 1,447 foreigners and 439 locals. Among them, 468 illegal immigrants (PATI) were detained for offences including overstaying, not possessing identification documents, violating pass conditions, and using unrecognised cards. The detained included citizens from Bangladesh, Myanmar, Indonesia, Pakistan, Nepal, India, and China.
During the raids, some foreign nationals attempted to evade authorities, hiding in storage water tanks or disguising themselves as tourists. The operation also uncovered various violations under the Immigration Act 1959/63, Passport Act 1966, Immigration Regulations 1963, and the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Act 2007 (ATIPSOM).
All those detained are being held at Ajil, Kemayan, Langkap, Beranang, Semenyih, and KLIA Immigration Depots pending further investigation and legal action. Authorities also warned that strict action will be taken against individuals or employers found to be harbouring or employing illegal immigrants.
Also present at the press briefing were YBhg. Dato’ Lokman Effendi Ramli, Deputy Director General (Operations), Tuan Haji Basri bin Othman, Director of Enforcement Division, along with several division directors from JIM Headquarters and state immigration directors.
The department reaffirmed its commitment to uphold the law and ensure national security through continuous enforcement and strict measures against immigration offences.
