EIGHTEEN foreign workers have been detained in a major enforcement operation in Kulim after they were found to be working illegally at an industrial factory without valid travel documents or permits.
The raid, conducted by the Malaysian Immigration Department in Kedah, targeted a factory in an industrial area following intelligence-led surveillance.
According to the department, the workers were found to have committed various offences, including lacking valid travel documentation, breaching pass conditions, and misusing social visit passes.
In a statement, the department said the operation was carried out at 10am by the Immigration Enforcement Unit after prior intelligence gathering.
“During the operation conducted, a total of 31 individuals comprising both locals and foreign nationals were inspected.
“Out of that number, 18 foreign nationals were detained for various offences under the Immigration Act 1959/63, involving citizens from Indonesia, Myanmar, Pakistan and China,” it said.
The detainees, aged between 22 and 45, have been transferred to the Belantik Immigration Depot for further investigation, documentation processing, and subsequent legal action.
The department stressed its continued commitment to intensifying enforcement operations, particularly in industrial zones identified as having a higher tendency to employ undocumented foreign labour.
The department also expressed appreciation for public cooperation in providing information on illegal immigrants, assuring that all reports would be investigated professionally to safeguard public safety, order and national sovereignty. - April 30, 2026
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