KUALA LUMPUR: The Immigration Department has identified 220 illegal immigrant hotspots nationwide.
Its director-general Datuk Ruslin Jusoh said within the first 16 days of this year, the department conducted 714 operations, inspecting 7,571 foreigners and nabbed 3,261 individuals.
Thirty five employers were arrested for employing undocumented foreigners.
"The operations were carried out in response to complaints from resident associations, community leaders and individuals concerned about the overcrowding of illegal immigrants in various locations.
"Residents in these areas often experience feelings of insecurity, anxiety and are concerned for the safety of their families due to the presence of illegal immigrants," Ruslin told a press conference at the Home Ministry Complex in Jalan Duta, here today.
He said the Immigration Department would focus its operations on illegal settlements, including business premises, restaurants and all places employing foreign workers.
He said there are plans to engage with local authorities to ensure coordinated efforts.
"We are currently in the process of doing this and in the coming months. Several areas with illegal settlements are also on our radar," Ruslin said.
While he refrained from disclosing the locations of all of these illegal immigrant hotspots, he revealed that some of them were in the city centre here and they include Bukit Bintang, Jalan Silang and KLCC.
"We will conduct continuous operations in all states and I urge employers to ensure that foreign workers in Malaysia have valid and legal work permits, which is the Temporary Employment Visit Pass (PLKS).
"We do not want them to move freely within Malaysia without proper documentation," he warned, adding the department will not compromise on the matter.