225 Undocumented Migrants Detained in Malaysia, Including 84 Bangladeshis

In a major crackdown on undocumented foreign workers, the Immigration Department of Malaysia detained 225 illegal immigrants, including 84 Bangladeshi nationals, during a raid at a construction site in Tanjung Langsat, Pasir Gudang, Johor state.

The operation was conducted on Tuesday, 22 July, based on intelligence reports indicating a high presence of illegal foreign workers at the site.

Details of the Operation

According to a press statement issued on Thursday (24 July) by Datuk Mohd Rusdi Mohd Darus, Director of the Johor Immigration Department:

“The raid was carried out following information that a large number of foreigners were working at the construction site without valid documentation.”

During the raid, documents of 664 individuals were verified. 225 of them were found to be in violation of immigration regulations and were subsequently taken into custody.

Nationalities and Demographics of the Detainees

The detainees included nationals from the following countries:

All individuals arrested were aged between 21 and 63 years.

Additionally, the project manager and the human resources officer of the construction site were also detained for their suspected roles in hiring undocumented labour.

Legal Action and Charges

Director Rusdi confirmed that legal proceedings would be initiated under several sections of Malaysia’s Immigration Act 1959/63, which include the following offences:

• Staying in the country without a valid permit
• Using expired passes
• Misuse of social visit passes

All the detainees have been transferred to the Pekan Nenas Immigration Depot for further investigation and legal processing.

Implications

This incident highlights Malaysia’s ongoing efforts to crack down on illegal immigration and enforce stricter compliance within the construction and labour sectors. It also raises concerns for migrant communities, especially those from South Asia, who often face precarious work and legal conditions abroad.