KAJANG – A total of 1,043 foreign nationals were detained for suspected immigration offences during simultaneous enforcement operations conducted by the Malaysian Immigration Department nationwide between 10 and 11 August 2026.
The nationwide Integrated Enforcement Operation targeted 14 locations identified by the authorities as having a significant presence of foreign nationals.
One of the operations, known as Op Sasar, was conducted at an apartment in Kajang on 11 August, beginning at about 10.30 pm.
During the Kajang operation, enforcement personnel checked 330 individuals and detained 248 foreign nationals for various suspected immigration offences.
Across all locations involved in the nationwide operation, authorities examined 3,307 individuals.
Of those checked, 1,043 foreign nationals were detained for suspected offences under Malaysian immigration laws.
The Malaysian Immigration Department said the operations followed complaints and information received from members of the public concerning the presence and activities of foreign nationals at the targeted locations.
According to the department, the reported activities had caused anxiety and concern among members of the local communities.
The coordinated enforcement effort involved 682 officers and personnel from several government agencies.
The Immigration Department contributed 578 officers, while the National Registration Department provided 23 officers and the Royal Malaysian Police deployed 19 personnel.
The Manpower Department was represented by five officers, while another five officers came from the National Security Council.
A further 52 officers from other government agencies also took part in the simultaneous operations.
The 1,043 foreign nationals detained came from a number of countries.
The largest groups were 370 Bangladeshi nationals and 328 Indonesians, followed by 183 Myanmar nationals and 55 Indian nationals.
The detainees also included 22 Nepalese nationals and 140 individuals from other nationalities.
The detained foreign nationals were aged between 17 and 59 years.
The group comprised 880 males and 163 females.
Immigration officers identified several suspected offences during the enforcement operations.
These included failing to possess identification documents, breaching the conditions of immigration passes and remaining in Malaysia after the expiry of authorised periods.
Authorities also identified cases involving possession of unrecognised cards, as well as other suspected violations of immigration laws.
All individuals detained during the operations are to be placed at the respective state Immigration Detention Depots.
They will remain there while investigations are conducted and further action is determined by the Immigration Department.
In addition to the arrests, 45 Form 29 documents, known as Summonses to Witnesses, were issued to Malaysian citizens to assist authorities with the investigations.
The issuance of the summonses allows the department to obtain information from individuals who may be able to assist with inquiries arising from the enforcement operations.
The Immigration Department said enforcement activities would continue as part of efforts to identify and take action against foreign nationals who violate Malaysian laws.
The department’s enforcement mandate covers offences under several pieces of legislation, including the Immigration Act 1959/63, Passport Act 1966 and Immigration Regulations 1963.
Enforcement action also covers relevant offences under the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Act 2007.
The department said its ongoing operations would include efforts to detect, arrest, prosecute and deport foreign nationals found to have breached the country’s laws.
The latest nationwide operation involved multiple agencies working together across 14 locations, reflecting a coordinated approach to immigration enforcement.
Investigations into those detained will be conducted by the relevant authorities before further action is taken in accordance with the applicable laws and regulations.
