Immigration Department Conducts Enforcement Operation at Meru Market Complex, Klang
Klang: Fearing arrest, a handful of foreigners used “guerrilla tactics” to avoid arrest by the immigration department in an enforcement operation at the Meru Market Complex, in Klang early this morning.
Operation Details
The operation, which began at 5:30 am, saw some foreigners crawling into narrow drains to hide while some climbed to the roof of shops to evade the authorities. Immigration deputy director-general (Operations) Jafri Embok Taha said a total of 598 foreigners were arrested out of 628 individuals inspected. They were aged between 17 and 57.
UNHCR Cardholders Claim to Avoid Arrest
Jafri Embok Taha said some of the foreigners had also claimed they are United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) cardholders to avoid arrest.
Offences Identified
The operation identified several offences, including not having identification documents, violating pass conditions, overstaying, unrecognised card holders, and other offences that violate the Immigration Act.
Agencies Involved
The operation involved a total of 153 officers from various agencies, including the immigration department, national registration department, general operations force, and Klang Royal City Council (MBDK).
Council’s Initial Inspection
Klang mayor Abd Hamid Hussain said from his council’s initial inspection, it is believed that almost 50% of the total 600 lots licensed by MBDK were rented out to foreigners.
Council’s Plan for Further Inspection
He said the council will immediately carry out further inspections to identify the actual number of lots involved to ensure that the facilities are not misused.
Conclusion
The immigration department’s enforcement operation at the Meru Market Complex, Klang, resulted in the arrest of 598 foreigners out of 628 individuals inspected. The operation aimed to detect, arrest, prosecute, and deport foreign nationals who violate provisions under the Immigration, Passport Act 1966 and Immigration Regulations 1963; and Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Act 2007.
FAQs
Q: How many foreigners were arrested during the operation?
A: 598 out of 628 individuals inspected.
Q: What were the offences identified during the operation?
A: Not having identification documents, violating pass conditions, overstaying, unrecognised card holders, and other offences that violate the Immigration Act.
Q: Which agencies were involved in the operation?
A: The immigration department, national registration department, general operations force, and Klang Royal City Council (MBDK).
Q: What is the plan for the council to ensure the facilities are not misused?
A: The council will carry out further inspections to identify the actual number of lots involved.