Hundreds of foreign workers flee during immigration raid at Jalan TAR mall
KUALA LUMPUR: Hundreds of foreign workers at a popular shopping mall along Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman (TAR) scattered in all directions after being caught off guard by an immigration raid.
The raid, codenamed Op Kutip, was carried out today by the Putrajaya Immigration Department (JIM).
Although the raid primarily targeted the mall, many foreign workers from nearby shopping centres also fled the area after being alerted by their colleagues about the presence of immigration officers.
A Harian Metro journalist who joined the operation observed that several business premises, believed to be managed by foreign workers, were left unattended following the arrival of JIM personnel.
Immigration deputy director-general (operations) Jafri Ambok Taha said the 2.30pm raid was conducted by officers and personnel from JIM Putrajaya following public complaints and a week-long intelligence operation.
He said a total of 964 individuals were screened during the operation, comprising 273 foreigners and 691 locals.
"Out of that number, 143 undocumented migrants were detained. This includes 56 Indonesians, 26 Bangladeshis, 32 Pakistanis, 10 Indians, 10 Myanmar nationals, four Syrians, three Nepalis, one Afghan, and one Chinese national - all arrested for various immigration offences.
"They include 110 men and 33 women, aged between 22 and 48 years.
"All of them will be placed at the immigration detention depot for further investigation and action," he said at a press conference following the operation.
Jafri said the offences identified included not possessing identification documents, violating pass conditions, overstaying, holding unrecognised cards, and other breaches under the Immigration Act.
He added that during the raid, some foreigners attempted to flee by forcefully pushing through officers and provoking them after realising the presence of enforcement teams, which made the arrests more challenging.
"The cramped and disorganised environment, along with the presence of customers, further slowed down the inspection process.
"Enforcement officers had to conduct thorough checks throughout the entire business complex.
"Some foreigners were found hiding in fitting rooms, under stairwells, in toilets, storerooms, and even behind closed doors.
"Some individuals refused to open doors, concealed foreigners, or hid important documents, which delayed the inspection process," he said.
He also reminded locals, especially employers, not to hire or shelter undocumented migrants, as they could face stern action under the Immigration Act 1959/63, Passport Act 1966, Immigration Regulations 1963, and the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Act 2007 (Atipsom).
Meanwhile, Jafri said that as of May 15, the department had inspected 67,574 individuals through 5,090 operations nationwide.
He said that 34,615 undocumented migrants and 680 employers were arrested during these operations.
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