Immigration detains 200 in Taman Maluri night market raid, warns employers and syndicates next in line

KUALA LUMPUR, July 6 — Malaysian Immigration authorities detained 200 foreign nationals during a raid at Kuala Lumpur’s Taman Maluri night market yesterday after complaints from residents prompted two weeks of surveillance, Sinar Harian reported.

The operation, dubbed ‘Op Kutip’, was carried out by the Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya office of the Immigration Department with the assistance of Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL).

According to Kuala Lumpur Immigration director Hamsha Injau, officers vetted 500 people — comprising 407 foreign nationals and 93 Malaysians — before detaining 200 individuals.

Those arrested included 125 men and 75 women from Indonesia, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Vietnam, China, Pakistan and India.

The operation began at about 6pm, with many foreign nationals attempting to flee after spotting enforcement officers. Some also tried to hide but were later found by officers monitoring the area.

“This location was targeted based on complaints we received from residents. Many foreign nationals have been congregating in this area,” Hamsha told reporters after the operation.

He said officers detected various immigration offences, including not possessing valid travel documents, overstaying, abusing social visit passes and breaching the conditions of immigration passes.

Hamsha said the department’s enforcement efforts would not stop at Taman Maluri, adding that other night markets in the capital frequented by foreign nationals would also come under scrutiny.

He said enforcement operations would continue across Kuala Lumpur so that foreigners who violate immigration laws “will not feel at ease”.

“I want to stress that our enforcement action is not only focused on undocumented migrants. We are also targeting employers, business owners, agents, syndicates and anyone who shelters undocumented migrants.

“The department will not compromise on any breach of immigration laws and will continue to carry out operations professionally, with integrity and in accordance with the law,” he said.

Hamsha also urged the public to continue providing information to the department about suspected immigration offences.