250 Bangladeshi migrants workers detained in Malaysia

Malaysian immigration officials have detained 252 Bangladeshis on charges of illegal stay and misuse of resident permits.

Malaysian immigration officials detained 252 Bangladeshi nationals on charges of illegal stay and misuse of resident permits. They were arrested late on Friday night in Cheras area, southeast of the country's capital, Kuala Lumpur. Apart from these Bangladeshis, another 173 immigrants from other countries have been detained by the Malaysian Immigration Department.

Kuala Lumpur Immigration Department Director Shamsul Badrin Mohshin said that the number of foreigners in Cheras area is high and local residents have complained that they are causing various social problems. After receiving complaints from locals, investigations and surveillance were conducted in the area for two weeks. A raid was conducted at Cheriya Heights apartment late on Friday night to verify the allegations.

He said a team of 60 immigration officers and workers conducted the operation from 1 pm to 4 am. At that time, a total of 425 people were detained on charges of not having valid documents, staying after the expiry of the temporary work permit.

In a press conference after the operation, the official of the Immigration Department of Kuala Lumpur said, "Among those arrested are 252 Bangladeshis, 108 from Myanmar, two from the Philippines, 30 from Indonesia, six from Cambodia, 20 from Nepal and seven from Pakistan." All of whom are between the ages of eight and 54. Among those arrested, 372 are men and 53 are women.

He said that the investigation showed that the detained foreigners worked in various sectors including construction and cleaning. During the operation, some foreigners showed aggressive behavior by throwing various objects, including bottles, at the immigration officials to avoid arrest, but no casualties were reported.

Shamsul Badrin Mohshin said that many foreigners are living permanently in that area. Among them are Rohingya refugees. Those who have a United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR) card and valid work permit.

He said the detainees were taken to the Bukit Jalil Immigration Depot for further action. An investigation has been initiated against them under Sections 15(1)(c) and 6(1)(c) of the Immigration Act 1959/63.

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