JIM arrests 30 foreign nationals for immigration offences during Seri Kembangan enforcement operation

The integrated operation, carried out with KPDN following public complaints and a week-long investigation, inspected 15 business premises and uncovered alleged offences including overstaying and misuse of immigration passes.

The Malaysian Immigration Department (JIM), in collaboration with the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN), has arrested 30 foreign nationals for suspected immigration offences following an integrated enforcement operation at One South Plaza in Seri Kembangan, Selangor.

The operation, conducted on 23 June 2026 (Tuesday), targeted an area identified by authorities as a focal point for foreign nationals, particularly those from the Middle East region.

According to JIM, the enforcement exercise began at 12:30pm and involved 53 officers from various ranks within the department's Special Action Branch, Enforcement Division, as well as five officers from KPDN.

The operation was carried out following public complaints and the findings of a week-long research.

During the enforcement action, officers inspected 15 business premises, including restaurants, food kiosks, sales centres, and other commercial outlets suspected of employing and harbouring foreign nationals without legal permission.

A total of 64 individuals were screened during the operation. Of these, 30 foreign nationals were detained to assist with investigations.

Those detained comprised nationals from Yemen, Somalia, Afghanistan, Ghana, Pakistan, and Bangladesh, aged between 26 and 35 years old.

JIM said the individuals are suspected of committing various offences under the Immigration Act 1959/63 and Immigration Regulations 1963. The alleged offences include overstaying beyond the permitted period, failing to possess valid travel documents, and misusing immigration passes granted by the authorities.

In the same operation, JIM issued a Form 29 summons to a Malaysian citizen to assist with investigations.

Separately, KPDN imposed a RM300 compound on a premises owner under the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act 2011 for offences detected during inspections.

All detained foreign nationals have since been placed at an Immigration Depot pending further investigations and subsequent action under the relevant laws.

Looking ahead, JIM said it will continue to intensify enforcement operations nationwide, focusing on foreign nationals residing in the country illegally, overstaying their permitted period of stay, or abusing the pass facilities provided by the Malaysian Government.

The department also reminded employers and members of the public not to employ, harbour, or provide protection to unlicenced migrants, adding that strict action will be taken against any individual or employer found to have breached the provisions of the Immigration Act 1959/63.

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Lead image / Malaysian Immigration Department