56 Bangladeshis held in Malaysia over immigration law violation

Malaysian authorities have detained 56 illegal Bangladeshi nationals among 62 undocumented migrants in a joint immigration operation in Selangor state.

The Malaysian Immigration Department carried out the operation, codenamed “Ops Mahir,” on April 21 in Shah Alam and Puchong, targeting suspected violations of immigration and labour regulations.

According to officials, 112 individuals were inspected during raids at two separate premises. After verification of documents, 62 people were arrested for immigration offences.

Those detained include 56 Bangladeshis, along with four Nepali nationals, one Indian and one Indonesian citizen.

Initial investigations found that several detainees were working in violation of their permit conditions, using temporary work permits (PLKS) issued under different employers while working elsewhere and concealing their true employment status.

Authorities said such practices constitute serious breaches of immigration law and may indicate the involvement of organised networks facilitating document misuse and illegal employment arrangements.

All detainees are being held at the Semenyih Immigration Depot and KLIA detention facility for further investigation. Three “charge to witness” orders have also been issued to assist ongoing inquiries.

The immigration department reaffirmed that enforcement actions against illegal workers and employers will continue, stressing that no compromise will be made in safeguarding national security and immigration integrity.