JOHOR BARU: The Johor Immigration Department detained 28 migrants including an 11-year-old boy in a series of raids under 'Op Sapu' at targeted housing estates in Skudai, here, today.
Its director Baharuddin Tahir said the midnight crackdown followed numerous complaints from members of the public alerting them of the sudden surge of foreigners.
Among those detained for overstaying were 13 Myanmar nationals, including four women; nine Indonesians consisting five men, three women and an 11-year-old boy; and six Bangladeshis men.
They were unable to produce valid travel documents and permits required to remain legally in the country which was a violation under Section 6(1)(c) of the Immigration Act 1959/63 (Act 155) and Section 15(1)(c) of the Immigration Act 1959/63 (Act 155).
He said investigations revealed that the foreigners had co-rented low-cost flats in the housing estates, and shared rent of between RM450 and RM750 for a three-room flat among several people.
While they were mostly documented, several of them were staying in the country illegally.
Baharuddin reminded the people that the Labour Recalibration Programme 2.0 (RTK 2.0), which is aimed at regulating illegal immigrants in the state, had ended on Dec 31.
He said the department will now conduct robust enforcement to combat the increasing presence of illegal immigrants.