Malaysia

49 foreign workers held in Kepala Batas construction site raid

They include 23 Rohingya, 14 Indonesians and 12 Bangladeshis

Updated 5 years ago · Published on 25 Feb 2021 4:42PM

49 foreign workers held in Kepala Batas construction site raid
Enforcement personnel checking documents during the raid on a construction site in Bertam Two, Kepala Batas today. – SOFIA NASIR/The Vibes pic, February 25, 2021

by Sofia Nasir

KEPALA BATAS – Nearly 50 foreign workers at a construction site here tried to hide in drains, climb rooftops or run into undergrowth to evade capture in a raid today.

It was all to no avail as they were eventually captured by enforcement personnel, who had surrounded a construction site for bungalows in Bertam Two here.

The raiding team comprised police, Immigration Department and Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) personnel.

The operation from 10.30am to 1pm led to the arrest of 23 Rohingya, 14 Indonesians and 12 Bangladeshis.

Many of the workers held in the raid had no valid identity documents and expired visas. – SOFIA NASIR/The Vibes pic, February 25, 2021
Many of the workers held in the raid had no valid identity documents and expired visas. – SOFIA NASIR/The Vibes pic, February 25, 2021

Northern Seberang Prai district police chief Noorzainy Mohd Noor said the operation was carried out to ensure adherence to SOPs to curb the spread of Covid-19.

“During the raid, 49 foreigners were arrested for various offences, including no valid identity documents and expired visas. Besides that, the investigation found 23 individuals arrested failed to show their Covid-19 test results.”

Meanwhile, state CIDB director Zahidi Hashim said his agency has issued a notice to the construction site contractor for failing to submit employee information.

“We believe today’s arrests involve only half of the number of workers and the employer needs to make improvements to ensure SOP compliance.” – The Vibes, February 25, 2021

Related News

Malaysia / 1mth

Syndicate selling RM5.6 million worth of weight loss drugs busted

Diary / 2mth

Marriott International seals deal to operate the Bertam Resort in Kepala Batas

Malaysia / 7mth

201 men including 17 civil servants arrested for engaging in illicit activities

Malaysia / 1y

Cops: Raid on alleged LGBT gathering was done after due intelligence work

Malaysia / 1y

Mandatory EPF contributions for foreign workers to begin in October

Malaysia / 1y

Manage CLQs well or risk losing licence, Sim reminds employers

Spotlight

Malaysia

After Johor, the uncomfortable question for Anwar’s critics: Were we too impatient?

By The Vibes Says

Malaysia

Network School's business licences revoked, to cease operations tomorrow

Opinion

Orang Asli in Pahang: Token gestures or genuine recognition?

Malaysia

Tuition teacher sentenced to 105 years in prison and 70 lashes for raping daughter

Malaysia

Azam Baki denies involvement in RM178.29 million contract linked to brother’s company

Malaysia

Aminuddin urges NS voters to weigh manifesto promising benefits for M40 and B40 groups

Malaysia

No need to resign, PM has absolute power if there is doubt – Ahmad Zahid

World

Gaza’s water crisis deepens as families face thirst, disease and collapsing sanitation systems

You may be interested

Malaysia

MINDEF to install radar on Layang-Layang Island to strengthen South China Sea surveillance

Malaysia

No need to resign, PM has absolute power if there is doubt – Ahmad Zahid

Malaysia

Good governance and political stability are essential for national prosperity, says Perak Ruler

Malaysia

High Court to decide prosecution appeal in Papagomo sedition acquittal on July 31

Malaysia

Anwar: Malaysia’s debt ratio is falling, but legacy debt payments remain a heavy burden

Malaysia

Malaysia faces record heat risk in 2027 as El Niño expected to intensify

Malaysia

PRNNS: Loke: 'We must win all 11 seats to help PH form state government'

Malaysia

AI Governance Bill to be tabled in Parliament after ministry, agency consultations