(Johor Bahru, 10th) The Malaysian Immigration Department conducted a series of raids on eateries in Johor Bahru and surrounding areas from 3pm on Saturday (May 10), arresting 27 foreign nationals for violations.
Johor State Immigration Director Datuk Mohd Rustdi indicated that all detainees included 18 Myanmar men and 6 Myanmar women, as well as one man each from Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Nepal, aged between 19 and 46.
In a statement, he said the Department acted upon intelligence, surveillance, and public tip-offs, and found that local employers were hiring and harboring foreign nationals without valid travel documents and work permits.
“They were working as waiters and cooks in the restaurants, suspected of violating the Immigration Act 1959/63 and Immigration Regulations 1963. They have been placed at Setia Tropika Immigration Detention Depot for further investigation.”
Mohd Rustdi added that during the operation, the authorities issued three Form 29s, which are summonses for witness appearances in court to assist with the investigation.
“We will not compromise with anyone who turns their business premises into a hub for hiring illegal foreign workers for profit.”