BALAKONG – The Malaysian Immigration Department has intensified its enforcement drive against illegal foreign workers with the arrest of 133 foreign nationals in a large-scale operation at two industrial premises in Selangor.
The integrated enforcement action, known as Ops Mega, was carried out simultaneously in Balakong and Shah Alam beginning at 11.00 am. A total of 145 enforcement officers of various ranks were involved in the operation. The effort was supported by strategic cooperation from the Royal Malaysian Customs Department, the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living, the Department of Environment and the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission.
According to the Immigration Department, the operation was conducted following public complaints and intelligence gathered over a period of time. Enforcement teams were deployed to both locations at the same time to prevent suspects from escaping. A total of 162 individuals were inspected during the operation.
From the checks conducted, 133 foreign nationals aged between 20 and 45 years were detained for suspected immigration offences. Those arrested were citizens of Bangladesh, Pakistan, Myanmar, Nepal, Indonesia, India, Vietnam and China.
Preliminary investigations found that the offences included failure to produce valid identification documents, overstaying, violating the conditions of passes, possession of unrecognised identification cards and other breaches under existing immigration laws. All detainees were taken to the Immigration Depot for further investigation and documentation.
During the same operation, officers from the Royal Malaysian Customs Department also seized cigarettes and liquor believed to be without valid tax approval, indicating possible violations beyond immigration-related offences.
Director General of Immigration, Dato’ Zakaria bin Shaaban, said in a statement that enforcement against employers hiring undocumented foreign workers remains a priority. He revealed that compounds amounting to RM42.6 million had been issued to 2,286 employers from 2025 until February this year for employing foreigners without valid documents.
He stressed that continuous enforcement operations will be carried out under the Immigration Act 1959/63, the Passport Act 1966, the Immigration Regulations 1963 and the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Act 2007. The Department will continue to detect, inspect, arrest, prosecute and deport those found to be in violation of the law.
The Immigration Department also reminded employers and the public not to harbour or protect illegal immigrants, commonly referred to as PATI. Strict action will be taken against those who fail to comply with the law. Members of the public with information on the presence of illegal immigrants are urged to report directly to the Immigration Department through official channels.
The latest operation reflects the government’s firm stance in safeguarding national security, ensuring compliance with immigration laws and protecting legitimate business operations across the country.
