JOHOR BARU: The Johor Immigration Department has detained 57 foreign nationals in an Ops Sapu operation in a flat area of Pasir Gudang here today (December 8).
Its director, Baharuddin Tahir, said that in the 12.20am raid, 374 foreigners from Indonesia, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Nepal, India, and the Philippines were screened and checked.
"Of the 57 individuals nabbed, 24 were Pakistani men, 13 men and eight women from Indonesia, eight Bangladeshi men, three Nepalese men, and one Indian man, all aged between 19 and 64 years-old.
"The operation, conducted by 95 officers from the State Enforcement Division, Batu Pahat Branch Enforcement, Bangunan Sultan Iskandar officers, and Sultan Abu Bakar Complex officers of the Johor Immigration Department as well as personnel of the Johor National Registration Department (NRD)," he said in a statement today (December 8).
He added that the operation was conducted as a result of a week-long investigation following public complaints about the presence of foreign residents causing concern in the local community.
Baharuddin said that all those detained are believed to have committed offences under Section 6(1)(c), which involves not having proper identification documents, and Section 15(1)(c), which pertains to overstaying.
He said that they were also found to have committed other offences that violated the Immigration Act 1959/63, Passport Act 1966, and Immigration Regulations 1963.
"All the detainees were placed at the Setia Tropika Immigration Depot for investigation and further action.
"We express our gratitude to the public who lodged complaints and are concerned about the issue of illegal immigrants. The public are urged to provide information about foreigners or any activities involving foreigners that violate the law," he said.
He added that enforcement operations will continue to be carried out vigorously every day, not only to apprehend foreigners but also to foil criminal networks and immoral activities involving foreigners. — Bernama