Malaysian immigration authorities have detained 225 undocumented foreign nationals, including 84 Bangladeshis, during a raid at the largest petrochemical processing and construction facility in Pasir Gudang, Johor state.
The operation was confirmed in a statement issued on Thursday by Johor Immigration Director Mohammad Rusdi Mohammad Darus.
According to the statement, the raid was carried out on Tuesday following intelligence reports prompted by public complaints that foreigners were working at the facility without valid permits. Authorities inspected the documents of 664 individuals, both locals and foreigners, and detained 225 of them.
Among the detainees are 133 Chinese nationals, 84 Bangladeshis, and 2 individuals each from Indonesia, Pakistan, and Nepal. The age range of the detainees is between 21 and 63 years. Additionally, a local man and woman, identified as the project manager and human resources officer, were also arrested.
The detainees are currently being held at the Pekan Nanas Immigration Depot for further questioning. Investigations are underway under Sections 6(1)(c) and 15(1)(c) of the Immigration Act 1959/63 for entering and remaining in Malaysia without valid documentation or overstaying after permits were revoked or expired.
Meanwhile, six other individuals have been issued notices to appear at the Enforcement Division Office to assist in the ongoing investigation.