THE POLICE have issued a forewarning that another massive operation will be conducted pursuant to a widely publicised sweep at Jalan Silang in Kuala Lumpur late last year to weed out foreigners residing and working illegally in the country.
The “follow-up” operation will be undertaken by the Bukit Aman Internal Security and Public Order Department, as was done previously.
The authorities are aware that in general most of the foreigners possess valid documents, said Kuala Lumpur police chief Datuk Allaudeen Abdul Majid.
However, there are many who are residing and operating in Malaysia without permission.
“We don’t deny the fact that there are those without documents, such as illegal immigrants,” he was quoted as saying by Bernama last night.
He was speaking during a walkabout at Jalan Chow Kit, which was held after reports emerged in various media on concerns about enclaves booming with communities of foreigners.
“Tonight we take our media friends to see for themselves how the situation is at Jalan Chow Kit and Lorong Haji Taib, which we all know was once known for prostitution and drugs.
“Today the area is much better than 20 years ago. We have cleaned it up with the assistance of Kuala Lumpur City Hall and several other non-governmental organisations,” he said.
Allaudeen also commented on a small number of police officials who have been involved in criminal activities, affecting the credibility of the force.
He said that greed and craving for luxury drew these officials to get caught up in inappropriate activities.
He stressed that only a small minority among the force have integrity problems, and that more than 90 percent of the 10,000 officers on duty in Kuala Lumpur serve with complete dedication.
"I don't agree if it is said that many police officers are involved in misconduct. There are ten officers who commit offences compared to 10,000 in Kuala Lumpur. This figure shows that less than one percent have problems," he said.
Contraband items
More than 1,100 foreign nationals were detained for various immigration offences under an integrated operation involving several enforcement agencies around Jalan Silang in December.
The operation was aimed at curbing criminal activities around the area and the Kota Raya Complex, especially those involving foreign nationals.
It also focused on curbing unhealthy activities in that area.
The police had then announced that they would carry out similar integrated operations from time to time to ensure Kuala Lumpur is free from illegal immigrants.
Among the issues that cropped up during the operation were the discovery of widespread sale of contraband items like medicines and renting of premises to unauthorised foreigners.
Large quantities of medicines were seized. They had been brought in from Bangladesh, Nepal and other countries to be sold to foreign nationals residing in Malaysia.
The items, which were not approved by the National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency under the Health Ministry, were seized from premises that had been turned into unauthorised mini-clinics.
Police have warned that action would be taken on owners who rent out the premises to foreign nationals residing illegally. – The Vibes, January 14, 2024
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