31 illegal immigrants detained in operation in KL hotspots

31 illegal immigrants detained in operation in KL hotspots

The raid by the immigration department in the city centre focused on areas around the Pavilion shopping centre, Jalan Bukit Bintang and Suria KLCC.

Some of the foreigners who were rounded up in front of Suria KLCC for violating the conditions of their visit pass. (Bernama pic)
KUALA LUMPUR:
The Kuala Lumpur immigration department raided several hotspots for illegal immigrants in the capital last night and detained 31 foreigners for various offences.

The operation from 9.30pm to 11pm focused on areas around the Pavilion shopping centre, Jalan Bukit Bintang, Suria KLCC and the Saloma Bridge.

Immigration department deputy director-general (operations) Jafri Embok Taha said those detained were aged between 19 and 50 and were investigated according to Section 15(1) c of the Immigration Act 1963 for overstaying and 39b of the Immigration Regulations 1963 for violating the conditions of the visit pass.

A few of the foreigners caught were selling flowers and soft toys in front of popular night spots in Kuala Lumpur. (Bernama pic)

“The detained illegal immigrants comprised four Indonesians, Bangladeshis (8), Indian nationals (6), Pakistanis (4), Nepalis (4), Filipinos (3), an Afghan and a Syrian,” he said in a press conference after the operation at KLCC here.

A total of 42 personnel were involved in the operation, assisted by four staff from the national registration department (JPN).

Jafri said the operation was carried out after a week of intelligence gathering following public complaints regarding the influx of illegal immigrants in the area.

“All those arrested were taken to the Kuala Lumpur immigration office for documentation purposes,” he said, adding that his department would step up operations in the capital.

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