KLANG: The Selangor Immigration Department nabbed nine foreigners in a raid on Monday (Sept 20), says state director Mohamad Shukri Nawi.

       He said the raid was carried out in Seri Kembangan and Cheras from noon to 5.30pm.

       "The operation involved ten officers and enforcement personnel and targeted several residences and business premises around Cheras and Seri Kembangan believed to house illegal immigrants," he said.

       "The operations focussed on business premises, restaurants, clothing shops, laundries and hypermarkets," added Mohamad Shukri.

       He added that 37 foreigners were inspected and nine of them were arrested on suspicion of flouting the Immigration Act and the Immigration regulations.

       Those detained were four Indonesians, one Pakistani, one Bangladeshi and four Myanmar nationals aged between 22 and 43.

       All of those detained were taken to the Selangor Immigration Department's enforcement division to facilitate investigations and will be remanded for 14 days under Section 51 (5) (b) Immigration Act 1959/63 at the Semenyih Immigration Depot, he said.

       Mohamad Shukri added those detained had breached Sectiom 6 (1) (c) Immigration Act 1959/63, by staying here without a valid pass or permit, as well as Section 15 (1) (c) of the same Act for overstaying.

       "The illegal immigrants used many tactics to prevent themselves from being detained during inspection such as hiding in the toilet and attempting to escape through windows," he said.

       Mohamad Shukri added the Immigration Department will investigate further to locate the owner of the rented houses and business premises as well as those protecting the illegal immigrants.

       He said they too will face action and be charged in court.

       Mohamad Shukri said all Immigration Department emoloyees participating in the raid had adhered to standard operating procedures (SOPs) to prevent Covid-19 infection.

       "All those detained were also brought to the health clinic to be screened for Covid-19 before being sent to the detention center," said Mohamad Shukri.

       He advised illegal immigrants to quickly participate in the Recalibration Plan for Illegal Immigrants which will go on until end of the year.