THE Immigration Department of Malaysia (JIM) has detained 109 foreigners suspected of misusing Social Visit Passes (PLS) to work without permission during a raid at a commercial building in Jalan Ampang.
Immigration Director-General Datuk Zakaria Shaaban said the operation, conducted at 11.45am yesterday, was launched following public complaints over the growing presence of foreign nationals, particularly Chinese citizens, in the area.
He said the department carried out three weeks of intelligence gathering before deploying 58 officers to raid two floors of the commercial building, where 120 individuals were inspected.
Those checked comprised seven Malaysians and 113 foreigners from China, Bangladesh, Myanmar and India.
"During the raid, the foreign nationals were actively carrying out renovation works at several units within the commercial building. The premises were believed to be undergoing preparation to operate as an exclusive entertainment club equipped with layered security systems and tightly controlled access points.
"This action was believed to be aimed at restricting entry by members of the public and preventing activities inside from being detected by the authorities," he said in a statement.
Zakaria said preliminary investigations found that most of the foreigners had entered Malaysia using Social Visit Passes but were suspected of working illegally in breach of the conditions attached to their permits.
He added that authorities also identified individuals suspected of overstaying their permitted period and those who failed to produce valid travel documents during inspections.
"Among those detained were 109 foreign nationals comprising 78 Chinese men and 31 men from Bangladesh, Myanmar and India, aged between 30 and 43, for various offences under the Immigration Act 1959/63 and Immigration Regulations 1963.
"All of them have been placed at Immigration Detention Depots for further action," he said.
A Malaysian man was also detained for allegedly acting as the manager or person responsible for arranging the presence of the foreign nationals at the premises.
Zakaria stressed that the department would continue taking firm action against foreigners involved in illegal businesses, overstaying offences and misuse of immigration passes.
"Action will be taken against any party that employs or protects illegal immigrants (PATI)," he said.
Meanwhile, Kelantan enforcement authorities carried out a separate large-scale operation today targeting foreign nationals, including Rohingya communities, at several migrant hotspots in the state capital, including an area popularly known as Kelantan’s “Mini Dhaka”.
The operation, led by Kelantan Immigration Department director Garry Belayong Anak John Siki, began at 10am and focused on several locations in Kota Baru identified as gathering points for foreign nationals.
More than 50 enforcement personnel from the Immigration Department, Kota Baru Municipal Council (MPKB-BRI) and the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry took part in the operation.
According to the NST, the targeted areas included Jalan Dato Pati, Jalan Doktor, Jalan Tok Hakim and Jalan Hilir Pasar.
Most of those stopped for inspection were Rohingya, Myanmar and Bangladeshi nationals.
Many had travelled to the town centre using public transport, including buses and rental vehicles. Some arrived with friends, while others were accompanied by young children and elderly family members, believed to be visiting the area for weekend shopping.
The operation formed part of continued enforcement efforts to identify immigration violations and ensure compliance with Malaysia’s immigration laws.
Authorities had previously identified at least 11 locations in Kota Baru frequently visited by foreigners, mainly concentrated around grocery stores and commercial premises.
A source said the identified hotspots included Jalan Padang Garong, particularly areas surrounding money changers, commercial zones and several business premises operated by Acehnese traders. - July 24, 2026
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