IMMIGRATION authorities in Johor carried out a major crackdown on undocumented migrants yesterday, detaining 64 individuals during coordinated operations across several massage parlours and budget hotels in the city.
Johor Immigration Department Director Datuk Mohd Rusdi Mohd Darus stated that the operation, conducted in collaboration with the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) from 4 p.m. onwards, targeted compliance with immigration laws and monitored business owners suspected of employing foreign workers illegally.
“The detainees range in age from 19 to 65 years old,” Datuk Mohd Rusdi said. “They include 33 Indonesian women, 17 Thai women, three Chinese women, two Ugandan women, three Bangladeshi men, three Indian men, two Pakistani men, and one Indonesian man.”
According to the director, the majority of those apprehended were found without valid travel documents, had overstayed their social visit passes, or were residing in Malaysia beyond their authorised periods.
“The operation was conducted to ensure that all foreign nationals possess valid travel documentation and to monitor employers suspected of breaching labour and immigration regulations,” he added.
The detainees are suspected of violating the Immigration Act 1959/63 and the Immigration Regulations 1963, and will face further investigation. Three witness summonses were also issued as part of the enforcement action to support ongoing inquiries.
All individuals were transported to the Setia Tropika Immigration Depot in Johor for processing and further legal action.
The operation highlights Malaysia’s ongoing enforcement efforts to curb undocumented migration and ensure compliance with immigration and labour regulations, particularly in urban centres where foreign labour is widely employed. - January 28, 2026
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