KUALA LUMPUR: Two children were among the 1,101 immigrants that were detained during a raid conducted by various agencies led by the General Operations Force (PGA) at Jalan Silang here earlier this morning.
In a press conference today, Kuala Lumpur Police Chief Datuk Seri Allaudeen Abdul Majid said the operation, which involved 1,138 officers from the agency, was conducted to curb the influx of foreigners that filled the streets of Jalan Silang, who own businesses and worked without permits in the middle of the country's capital.
"Upon our inspection of 60 premises in the vicinity of Kota Raya Complex, we have successfully detained 1,101 undocumented foreign nationals for failing to present valid identification documents.
"During the raid, no personal belongings were seized. All undocumented foreign nationals cooperated well, and there were no incidents of struggle or injury," he told reporters at the Malaysian Police Training Centre (Pulapol).
Allaudeen said all undocumented foreign nationals have been handed over to the Immigration Department (JIM) for further action under Section 6 (3) of the Immigration Act 1959, Section 6 (1)(c) of the Immigration Act 1959, Section 15 (4) of the Immigration Act 1959, Section 15 (1)(c) of the Immigration Act 1959, and Regulation 39(b) of the Immigration Regulations 1963.
He also said that the authorities had confiscated 100 cartons of cigarettes worth RM 22,000, 90 cartons of alcoholic drinks worth RM48,000, and unapproved medicines worth RM34,530.
On whether the owners of the premises will be reprimanded for leasing their place to undocumented foreigners, Allaudeen said that the Kuala Lumpur City Council will look into it.
"The police will provide further breakdown of the country of origin of these foreigners later," he said.
Earlier today, it was reported that over 1,000 members and officers of the General Operations Force (PGA) surrounded 'mini Dhaka' at Jalan Silang.
The operation began at 11 am to raid the colony of foreigners, who were seen as becoming increasingly bold and behaving like locals.
Authorities also found various types of medications believed to be from Bangladesh without the approval of the Malaysian Ministry of Health.