THE Johor Immigration Department apprehended 66 foreign nationals, including 56 women suspected of serving as guest relations officers (GRO), during a targeted operation at an entertainment centre here on Wednesday night.
The operation, known as Ops Gegar, was launched at 10 pm and involved officers conducting a thorough sweep of the premises. The detainees ranged in age from 21 to 51, according to Johor Immigration Director Datuk Mohd Rusdi Mohd Darus.
Of the women detained, 47 were Thai nationals, five from Laos, two from Indonesia, and one each from Vietnam and China. The male detainees, employed as bartenders and cleaners, included five Indian nationals, two each from Vietnam and Indonesia, and one Filipino.
“During the raid, some individuals attempted to flee, but all were successfully apprehended. Preliminary investigations indicate that they are suspected of committing various offences under the Immigration Act 1959/63 and the Immigration Regulations 1963,” Datuk Mohd Rusdi said in a statement today.
He added that the operation also involved the issuance of two Form 29 witness summonses to assist in further investigations. All detainees were subsequently sent to the Setia Tropika Immigration Depot for further inquiries and legal action.
The raid underscores Malaysia’s continued focus on regulating foreign labour in the entertainment sector, ensuring compliance with immigration laws, and addressing potential illegal employment activities. - February 11, 2026
