By Aida Aziz
Photo: JIM Perak
IPOH: A total of 33 foreign men were detained during inspections at three premises in Manjung through Operation Serkap and Minyak conducted by the Perak State Immigration Department (JIM) on Monday.
According to the Director of JIM Perak, Meor Hezbullah Meor Abd Malik, all those detained were Bangladeshi citizens aged between 25 and 45 years old.
He said the operation was carried out at car wash shops around Manjung.
“The operation began at 3:30 pm and ended at 5 pm on Monday.
“The raid was conducted based on complaints and the results of monitoring and investigations carried out by the Intelligence and Operations Unit of JIM Perak at those three locations.
“With a team of 18 Immigration Officers, inspections were conducted on 35 foreign nationals.
“Out of that number, 33 of them were detained on reasonable suspicion of committing offenses under the Immigration Act 1959/63 and the Immigration Regulations 1963,” he said here today.
Therefore, he said, all 33 Bangladeshi were detained at the Ipoh Immigration Depot for investigation and further legal action under Section 6(1)(c) of the Immigration Act 1959/63.
“This include entering and staying in Malaysia without a valid pass, Section 15(1)(c) of the same act, which involves residing or staying in Malaysia beyond the valid period of the issued pass and offenses under Regulation 39(b), Immigration Regulations 1963, which involves violating the conditions of the issued pass.
He also mentioned that investigations are also being conducted under the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Act (Amendment) 2002.
“JIM Perak hopes the public can assist by making reports or complaints to help curb the influx of undocumented foreign immigrants (PATI) in the country.
“JIM will also take firm action against any employer or individual who employs or harbors PATI, including prosecution in court,” he added.
