5 days ago
48 foreign workers caught in immigration sweep at Seberang Prai factories
BUKIT MERTAJAM: The state Immigration Department arrested 48 foreign workers for various immigration offences during a raid on two electronics manufacturing factories on Wednesday, nearly forcing operations to a halt.
The targeted operation, carried out by the Penang Immigration Department, found that the workers had either overstayed their visas or violated the terms of their work permits by working in sectors or companies not stated in their documents.
State Immigration Department director Syamsul Fitri Ahmad said a total of 103 foreigners working at the two factories were screened during the raid.
"All 48 detained foreigners, aged between 20 and 49, were from Indonesia, Bangladesh, Nepal, Myanmar, India and China," he said.
He reminded employers to adhere strictly to employment laws when hiring foreign workers.
"We will continue consistent enforcement efforts, especially in high-risk sectors," he added.
Those arrested have been taken to the Juru Immigration depot for further investigation under Section 6(1)(c) of the Immigration Act 1959/63 and Regulation 39(b) of the Immigration Regulations 1963.
