KOTA BHARU – A large-scale joint enforcement operation targeting immigration compliance and business regulations has been executed in the heart of Kelantan. The coordinated effort, which took place on 24 July 2026, involved multiple government agencies working in unison to inspect premises and verify the documentation of individuals within the city centre.
The Malaysian Immigration Department (JIM) Kelantan led the initiative, officially designated as a Mega Ops, in close collaboration with strategic partners. Key participating bodies included the Kelantan Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) and the Kota Bharu-Bandar Raya Islam Municipal Council (MPKB-BRI).
This multi-agency approach was designed to address overlapping issues regarding foreign worker employment, business licensing, and municipal by-laws simultaneously.
During the comprehensive sweep, authorities screened a total of 362 individuals. The inspection covered both Malaysian citizens and foreign nationals present at the targeted locations. Among the foreigners checked were individuals from Nepal, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Indonesia, Thailand, Cambodia, and Myanmar.
The diverse range of nationalities reflects the varied demographic composition of the foreign workforce currently operating within the state capital.
Senior leadership from the immigration department was present on the ground to oversee the conduct of the operation. Tuan Garry Belayong anak John Siki, the Kelantan State Immigration Director, personally attended to ensure protocols were followed strictly.
He was accompanied by Puan Ruzaana binti Mohamed, the Deputy State Immigration Director (Control), highlighting the high priority placed on this specific enforcement drive by state leadership.
The involvement of the domestic trade ministry and the municipal council added significant depth to the operation. While immigration officers focused on passport validity and work permit status, KPDN personnel verified business compliance and pricing regulations.
Simultaneously, MPKB-BRI officers inspected premises for adherence to local council licensing requirements. This holistic method ensures that establishments are not only employing legal workers but are also operating within all relevant regulatory frameworks.
Authorities have indicated that such operations are part of a broader, continuous strategy to maintain law and order. The Kelantan Immigration Department has vowed to strengthen enforcement efforts persistently alongside its strategic agency partners.
The objective is to ensure full compliance with the Immigration Act 1959/63 and to take decisive action against any party found violating these statutes.
The focus on Kota Bharu is particularly significant given its status as a major commercial and administrative hub. As the state capital, it attracts a high volume of transient workers and businesses, making it a critical area for monitoring.
Regular checks help prevent the entrenchment of illegal employment practices that can undermine local labour markets and public safety.
Immigration officials have reiterated their zero-tolerance stance towards non-compliance. Strict measures will be applied to any individual or employer found to be flouting immigration laws.
This includes potential detention, fines, and deportation for undocumented foreigners, as well as legal proceedings against employers who facilitate illegal employment.
The operation also serves as an intelligence-gathering exercise. Data collected during these inspections helps authorities map trends in foreign worker distribution and identify sectors prone to violations.
This information is vital for planning future targeted operations and for refining policy responses to emerging challenges in labour migration management.
Public cooperation remains a cornerstone of effective enforcement. Authorities encourage business owners and members of the community to verify the documentation of their employees and to report suspicious activities.
By fostering a culture of compliance, the state aims to create a fair and regulated environment for all legitimate workers and enterprises.
As Kelantan continues to develop economically, managing the flow and status of foreign labour becomes increasingly complex. Joint operations like this Mega Ops demonstrate the government’s proactive approach to balancing economic needs with strict regulatory oversight.
The continued presence of enforcement teams sends a clear message that adherence to the law is non-negotiable.
The results of this latest operation will be processed according to standard legal procedures. Those found with valid documentation were allowed to continue their activities, while cases involving violations are being handled through the appropriate legal channels. The department remains committed to transparency and professionalism in all its enforcement actions.
