IMMIGRATION authorities have detained 16 foreign nationals, including a Chinese employer, after uncovering an alleged operation involving the illegal hiring of undocumented workers at a car seat manufacturing and modification factory in Selangor.
The raid, conducted under “Ops Mahir” by enforcement officers from the Immigration Department of Malaysia, took place at about 12.30pm on Tuesday at a factory in Seri Kembangan believed to be involved in vehicle seat modification and supply services.
Deputy Director-General of Immigration (Operations) Datuk Lokman Effendi Ramli said investigations carried out over the course of a week revealed that the premises were allegedly owned and managed by a Chinese national who deliberately recruited undocumented foreign workers, particularly fellow Chinese citizens.
“The employer was found to have selected and hired foreign nationals, especially fellow citizens from China, without valid documents or legal work permits,” he said in a statement on Wednesday.
A total of 17 immigration officers of various ranks participated in the operation, during which authorities inspected 24 individuals comprising 21 foreign nationals and three Malaysians.
Lokman said 16 foreign nationals, including Chinese and Myanmar citizens aged between 26 and 35, were arrested for various offences under the Immigration Act 1959/63 and the Immigration Regulations 1963.
Authorities also issued three Form 29 summonses to Malaysian citizens to assist in the ongoing investigation.
“All detainees were taken to the Immigration Detention Depot for further investigation and action,” he said.
Lokman stressed that immigration authorities would not compromise with foreigners found conducting illegal business activities, overstaying or abusing immigration passes in Malaysia.
“Strict action will be taken against any party employing and harbouring illegal immigrants,” he said. - May 14, 2026
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