Johor Immigration Detains 27 Foreign Workers

JOHOR BAHRU, Aug 6 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian Immigration Department (JIM) detained 27 foreign workers without valid permits in Ops Selera at a food premises in Bandar Baru Permas Jaya here on Monday.

Johor JIM director Datuk Mohd Rusdi Mohd Darus said the integrated operation, involving 25 officers from the department's enforcement division, was conducted as a result of intelligence and public information regarding their activities at the premises.

He said the arrests involved eight Indonesian men and eight women, five Myanmar men and six women aged between 18 and 50.

"All of them are suspected of committing offences under Section 6(1)(c) and Section 15(1)(c) of the Immigration Act 1959/63 and the Immigration Regulations 1963 as well as Regulation 11(7)(a) of the Immigration Regulations 1963.

"Meanwhile, a local man who is the owner of the premises was also detained under Section 56(1)(d) of the Immigration Act 1959/63 for harbouring foreigners," he said in a statement tonight.

Mohd Rusdi said all the detainees were placed at the Setia Tropika Immigration Depot for investigation and further action, in addition to being issued three notices to appear at the Immigration Department to assist in the ongoing investigation.

"At the same time, we would like to remind the public and employers not to harbour or employ illegal immigrants (PATI) to work as legal action would be taken against them.

"Therefore, employers are advised to contact the nearest immigration office directly to obtain accurate (and authentic) information if there is a party claiming to be able to manage foreign workers," he added.

-- BERNAMA