62 Foreigners Held In Immigration Ops In Selangor

PUTRAJAYA, June 17 (Bernama) -- Sixty-two foreign nationals have been arrested during a special operation in Selangor for allegedly committing various immigration offences.

Immigration director-general Datuk Zakaria Shaaban said the operation, involving 30 enforcement officers, was carried out on June 15 in Cyberjaya, Bandar Seri Putra, Bandar Teknologi Kajang, Seri Kembangan, Sepang and Dengkil following intelligence gathering and public information.

He said 17 premises, including furniture factories, sawmills, eateries, grocery shops and hawker areas known to be frequented by foreign nationals, were inspected during the operation.

"Inspections on 210 individuals comprising locals and foreign nationals resulted in the detention of 62 foreigners suspected of committing various offences under the Immigration Act 1959/63 and the Immigration Regulations 1963," he said in a statement today

Zakaria said preliminary investigations found that some of the detained foreign nationals were believed to have abused the passes granted to them by engaging in employment or activities that were inconsistent with the original purpose of their entry into the country.

Zakaria said the department also issued 11 summonses to employers to assist further investigations into the employment of foreign workers and their level of compliance with immigration laws.

He said all detained foreign nationals were taken to the Putrajaya Immigration Depot for documentation, investigation and further action.

He also reminded employers to always comply with the conditions and regulations governing the employment of foreign workers, warning that firm action would be taken against any party found to be harbouring, employing or assisting foreign nationals who violate pass conditions and immigration regulations.

-- BERNAMA