SUBANG JAYA – Malaysian immigration authorities have detained 252 foreign nationals following a large-scale enforcement operation in Selangor.
The coordinated raid took place in the early hours of 22 August 2026, targeting areas in USJ 23 and the Pasar Besar Complex in Meru, Klang.
The operation commenced at approximately 1.55am and involved officers from the Selangor Immigration Department working in tandem with counterparts from Putrajaya.
They were supported by personnel from the National Registration Department (JPN), the National Anti-Drug Agency (AADK), and the Malaysian Civil Defence Force (APM).
During the sweep, officials examined a total of 710 individuals. Of those screened, 252 were found to be in violation of immigration laws and were subsequently arrested. The detainees range in age from 18 to 50 years old.
Mohmad Khusairi Kamarudin, the Selangor Immigration Deputy Director (Control), provided a breakdown of the nationalities involved.
The largest group comprised 164 men from Bangladesh. Citizens from Myanmar accounted for 50 men and seven women. Indonesian nationals included 16 men and eight women.
Smaller numbers of detainees were from other South Asian countries. Three men from India and three from Nepal were among those held.
A single male citizen from Pakistan was also arrested. All individuals are currently being processed for further action.
The offences detected during the operation include possession of invalid travel documents, breach of pass conditions, and overstaying beyond the permitted period.
These violations fall under the purview of the Immigration Act 1959/63 and the Immigration Regulations 1963. Authorities emphasised that such enforcement activities will remain a priority.
Mohmad Khusairi stated that the department would continue to detect, arrest, prosecute, and deport foreigners who fail to comply with Malaysian immigration laws. The goal is to maintain strict control over the entry and stay of non-citizens within the state.
Employers and the general public were issued a stern reminder against harbouring undocumented immigrants, often referred to locally as PATI (Pendatang Asing Tanpa Izin). Protecting such individuals is considered an offence and undermines national security and social order.
Members of the public are encouraged to assist law enforcement by reporting any information related to the presence or activities of undocumented foreigners. Tips can be directed to the Immigration Department for investigation.
This latest crackdown in Subang and Klang highlights the ongoing efforts by Malaysian agencies to curb illegal immigration. Multi-agency collaborations allow for more comprehensive screening and faster processing of suspects.
The involvement of civil defence and anti-drug agencies suggests a holistic approach to checking not just immigration status but also potential associated criminal activities.
The detained individuals face potential deportation and bans from re-entering Malaysia, depending on the severity of their infractions.
The Immigration Department has not yet disclosed if any employers were implicated in hiring these undocumented workers during this specific operation.
