KUALA LUMPUR – The Malaysian Immigration Department (JIM) detained several foreign nationals during a special operation in Setapak and Jalan Kuching on 9 August 2026 following the circulation of a social media video showing a vehicle fitted with what appeared to be the department’s logo and warning lights.
The operation began at about 4.30pm and was conducted by officers from the Intelligence and Special Operations Division of the Immigration Headquarters in Putrajaya.
JIM said the operation was launched after information was received about the viral video, which showed a vehicle bearing the department’s identity being used by a foreign national.
During an inspection and raid at PV3 Platinum Hill Condominium in Setapak, officers detained a Pakistani man believed to be the individual shown in the video.
A further inspection of the premises led to the detention of an Indonesian woman who was allegedly found to have overstayed in Malaysia.
Officers also discovered two Indonesian passports believed to belong to other individuals in the possession of the Pakistani man.
JIM said the Pakistani man was arrested for allegedly committing an offence under Section 12(1)(f) of the Passport Act 1966 and the Immigration Act 1959/63.
The Indonesian woman was arrested under Section 15(1)(c) of the Immigration Act 1959/63 in connection with the alleged overstay.
Following the arrests at the condominium, the enforcement team continued its investigation by locating a Toyota Hilux with registration number VLH8773, which was believed to be the vehicle shown in the viral video.
The vehicle was subsequently found parked at a car wash along Jalan Kuching in Kuala Lumpur. JIM said officers carried out a further inspection at the premises and detained the Pakistani owner of the vehicle.
The operation at the car wash also resulted in the detention of several foreign workers who were identified by the department as employees of the premises.
JIM said four Bangladeshi men, three Pakistani men and one Indian man were detained during the inspection.
The department said the Pakistani owner was arrested for allegedly committing an offence under Section 55B of the Immigration Act 1959/63.
The statement also said four Bangladeshi men, three Malaysian men and one Indian man were arrested under Section 6(1)(c) of the Immigration Act 1959/63.
The department’s statement therefore separately identified the nationalities of some of those detained as employees and those subsequently described in relation to the alleged Section 6(1)(c) offence.
JIM said initial investigations into the viral video found that it had actually been recorded in April 2025.
According to the department, the recording was later uploaded to WhatsApp status by the individual’s wife on 7 August 2026.
The department said the man’s wife was in Indonesia when the video was uploaded. Investigators also questioned the owner of the Toyota Hilux about the vehicle’s appearance in the video.
According to JIM, the owner admitted during initial investigations that he had installed the department’s logo and warning lights on the vehicle for personal use.
The department said the owner claimed the vehicle modifications had no official purpose and that he was unaware that installing the JIM identity in such a manner was against the law.
The owner also told investigators that the department logo and warning lights had been removed before the video attracted attention and subsequently went viral on social media.
JIM said all individuals detained during the operation, together with the vehicle linked to the video, were taken to the Immigration Office.
They were brought there for further investigation and appropriate enforcement action under the relevant laws.
The operation followed concerns over the unauthorised use of the Immigration Department’s identity on a private vehicle.
The use of official-looking markings on a vehicle can potentially create confusion among members of the public about whether the vehicle or its occupants are authorised to act on behalf of a government agency.
JIM said it would not compromise over the misuse of its logo or identity, particularly where such use could mislead the public or affect the department’s image and integrity.
The department also said it would continue taking firm action against activities that breach Malaysian laws.
JIM said its enforcement efforts were intended to ensure that the country’s stability and prosperity are protected.
The latest operation involved multiple locations and followed an investigation into a video that had been circulated on social media.
The department said the investigation remains focused on the individuals detained, the vehicle involved and the circumstances surrounding the unauthorised use of the JIM logo and warning lights.
The detained individuals and the Toyota Hilux were taken to the Immigration Office for further action as investigations continue.
The Malaysian Immigration Department reiterated that enforcement measures would be taken against activities that violate the country’s immigration and related laws, including conduct involving the unauthorised use of the department’s identity.
The operation was conducted by officers from JIM’s Intelligence and Special Operations Division, following information received about the viral social media material.
JIM Director-General of Immigration Dato’ Zakaria bin Shaaban said the department would continue to act against activities that could undermine public confidence in its identity and official functions.
