KUALA LUMPUR, 29 January 2026 – The Malaysian Immigration Department (JIM) conducted a major integrated sweep operation in Taman Emas, Cheras, resulting in the arrest of 218 foreign nationals for various immigration offences. The operation targeted areas reportedly dominated by foreigners and was carried out following public complaints and intelligence reports.
The operation began at 7.00 pm and involved 279 officers from the Putrajaya Immigration Headquarters, JIM Negeri Sembilan, JIM Negeri Perak, and 10 officers from the National Registration Department (JPN). It was led by YBhg. Dato’ Lokman Effendi Ramli, Deputy Director General of Immigration (Operations).
During the sweep, a total of 1,087 individuals were inspected. Among those detained were 78 Myanmar citizens, 56 Bangladeshis, 44 Indonesians, 12 Nigerians, 10 Nepalis, 5 Indians, 4 Sri Lankans, and 9 nationals from other countries, ranging in age from 2 to 53 years. Offences discovered included possession of no identification documents, overstaying, violating pass conditions, holding unrecognized identification cards, and other breaches of immigration law.
Some individuals attempted to evade arrest by hiding on the ceilings and rooftops of the premises. JIM deployed drones equipped with heat detection sensors to locate and apprehend those attempting to escape.
The department reiterated its commitment to continue enforcement operations to detect, inspect, arrest, prosecute, and deport foreign nationals violating Malaysian immigration laws, including the Immigration Act 1959/63, Passport Act 1966, Immigration Regulations 1963, and the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Act 2007.
JIM also warned the public and employers against protecting illegal immigrants, emphasizing that strict action will be taken against violators. Members of the public with information on the whereabouts of undocumented foreign workers are urged to report through official JIM channels. Meanwhile, foreign nationals are encouraged to participate in the Migrant Repatriation Program 2.0, which ends in April 2026, to avoid harsher enforcement measures after the program concludes.
