MORE than one hundred undocumented migrants have been detained following a late-night enforcement operation targeting two entertainment outlets in Kepong, in what immigration authorities describe as a coordinated crackdown on illegal employment and immigration breaches.
The Immigration Department (JIM) said 107 foreign nationals were arrested during “Ops Gegar”, an operation conducted at 11pm on Friday after two weeks of intelligence gathering by its Special Tactical Team.
Director-General Datuk Zakaria Shaaban said officers inspected 224 individuals across both premises, comprising 171 foreign nationals and 53 Malaysians.
Initial checks led to the detention of 107 foreigners who were found to be without valid travel documents or immigration passes.
Those arrested included 65 Thai women and three Thai men, 18 Vietnamese women, 11 Bangladeshi men, seven Laotian women and three Indonesian women.
“The initial checks have led to the detention of 107 foreign nationals, comprising 65 women and three men from Thailand, 18 women from Vietnam, 11 men from Bangladesh, seven women from aos, and three women from Indonesia, who did not possess any valid travel documents or passes to be in the country.
“The operations team also seized several items believed to be used in the premises’ activities, including payment chips, necklaces, computer sets, and closed-circuit television (CCTV) systems,” he said in a statement.
Authorities believe the establishments were overseen by security personnel, while the foreign women were managed by coordinators referred to as “mummy,” who allegedly arranged customer services and stage performances.
“Service charges were believed to be determined based on a coloured card system, ranging from RM100 to RM1,314,” Zakaria said.
All detained foreign nationals are being held at the Lenggeng Immigration Depot for further action. They are suspected of offences under the Immigration Act 1959/63, the Passport Act 1966, and the Immigration Regulations 1963.
Seven Malaysian citizens have also been issued notices to attend the Immigration Department’s office to assist with ongoing investigations.
Zakaria stressed that the department would not compromise in enforcing immigration laws and would continue taking firm action against any party found to have breached statutory provisions.
“The public is advised not to be involved in or collude in any activities that contravene immigration laws and are encouraged to provide information to authorities to assist in comprehensive enforcement efforts,” he said.
He added that members of the public are urged not to participate in or abet activities that contravene immigration laws and are encouraged to provide information to assist comprehensive enforcement efforts. - March 1, 2026
