Raid on factory uncovers ruse to deploy foreign workers beyond work permit
This deception was exposed in a joint operation conducted at a factory in Simpang Ampat here today.
Immigration director-general Datuk Zakaria Shaaban said, during the operation, which began at 10.30am, 749 individuals were inspected.
He said, out of these, 307 were found to have committed various offences under the Immigration Act.
"Those arrested comprised 306 Bangladeshi nationals and one Nepali national aged between 20 and 40.
"The offences include misuse of sector-specific permits, working in unauthorised locations, expired permits and lack of travel documents.
"The most prevalent violation involved individuals holding work permits for the cleaning sector, but were found working in factories," he told newsmen after the raid here this afternoon.
The operation was conducted in collaboration with multiple agencies, including the National Registration Department (NRD), Seberang Prai City Council (MBSP) and the Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH).
Zakaria said all those detained would be placed at the Jawi Immigration Detention Depot.
One Bangladeshi worker detained in the operation claimed to have arrived in Malaysia in 2023 through an agent after paying approximately RM20,000 (about 300,000 taka).
He said he was aware that his work permit was for a cleaner's job, but the agent told him that working in a factory was also considered cleaning work.
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