SERDANG (Bernama): A group of foreigners at the Selangor Wholesale Market tried all sorts of methods to avoid being arrested by Immigration Department officers early Saturday (June 26), including hiding in fish boxes and drains.

       The operation, conducted between 1am and 4am, saw a total of 72 foreigners arrested, comprising 39 United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) cardholders, Bangladeshis (19), Myanmarese (nine), Indonesian (three), an Indian national and a Nepali.

       Deputy Home Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ismail Mohamed Said said those arrested, aged between 20 and 50, were detained on suspicion of not having valid travel documents.

       He said the UNHCR cards owned by the foreigners arrested were dubious.

       "Further investigations have to be conducted to ascertain the validity of the cards, as well as on whether they have the necessary documents and work permits.

       "They will be taken to the Selangor Immigration Department for further action," he told reporters after participating in an operation, code-named "Ops Patuh", to monitor compliance with standard operating procedures (SOP) at the Selangor Wholesale Market here on Saturday.

       He said Ops Patuh would continue to be conducted to address non-compliance with SOPs in an integrated manner by focusing on the misuse of approval letters issued by the relevant ministries, departments and agencies.

       Meanwhile, the operation also involved the participation of the Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry.

       Its enforcement director, Azman Adam said a total of 42,552 premises nationwide were inspected since June 1-25, with compound notices amounting to RM2.03mil issued for various offences. – Bernama