Authorities previously raided viral ‘illegal flat’ linked to Rohingya settlement claims

A CONTROVERSIAL multi-storey building that recently went viral amid allegations it was being used as accommodation for Rohingya refugees had already been targeted in a major enforcement operation by authorities more than a year ago, according to police.

Kajang District Police Chief Assistant Commissioner Naazron Abdul Yusof said a joint operation conducted in February last year at the premises in Kampung Kenangan, Hulu Langat resulted in the detention of 45 foreign nationals.

The group comprised 35 men, three women and four children.

"All those arrested were investigated by the Immigration Department of Malaysia under Section 51(3)(a) of the Immigration Act 1959/63 (Act 155) and were detained under Section 51(5)(b) of the same Act," he said in a statement on Tuesday.

Naazron added that enforcement action was also taken against a local man who identified himself as the son of the property owner.

"One IMM 29 Form (Summons to Witness) and one Search Form under Section 51(1) of the Immigration Act 1959/63 were issued to the man at the location," he said.

The police chief said the premises are currently believed to be occupied by two families, namely the property owner and a local Malaysian tenant.

The issue resurfaced after a video circulating widely on social media showed the building, which many users claimed had been constructed illegally. The structure attracted attention because of its unfinished exterior appearance, while sections of the corridor appeared to be enclosed only with zinc sheets.

The footage, shared by a local celebrity, quickly ignited debate online, with some social media users alleging that the building had been constructed by foreign nationals and was being used as a settlement for undocumented migrants.

The controversy has intensified public scrutiny over the status of the premises, prompting calls for clarification from local authorities regarding its legality and occupancy.

Meanwhile, the Kajang Municipal Council (MPKj) has indicated that it will issue an official statement on the matter in the near future. - June 9, 2026