THE Immigration Department of Malaysia (JIM) has detained 503 foreigners for various immigration offences in a nationwide Op Mega enforcement operation conducted simultaneously at 16 locations.
Immigration Director-General Datuk Zakaria Shaaban said the operation focused on business premises suspected of employing foreign workers illegally or misusing employment passes.
He said the operation, which began at 11am on Monday, involved more than 876 enforcement personnel from various agencies, including the National Registration Department, the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry, local authorities and the Royal Malaysia Police.
“Some 2,260 individuals comprising foreigners and employers were inspected. From this number, 503 foreigners were detained for various offences. Additionally, 120 individuals were called as witnesses, including guardians, Malaysian citizens or employers linked to the foreign workers involved, and summonses will be issued requiring them to provide statements,” he told reporters during a raid at Jalan Kenanga in Kuala Lumpur.
Zakaria said those detained were suspected of committing offences under the Immigration Act 1959/63, including failing to possess valid identification documents, breaching pass conditions, overstaying and holding unrecognised cards.
He said some individuals carrying United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) cards were also detained to allow verification of the authenticity of their documents before further action was taken.
“If the cards are confirmed to be genuine, we will take follow-up action, either releasing them or referring them to the United Nations. Among the most common offences detected were overstaying and violations of pass conditions, including construction sector workers found working at other premises such as textile and clothing shops,” he said.
Zakaria stressed that JIM would continue intensifying enforcement operations nationwide by identifying hotspots involving illegal foreign workers.
“We will not compromise and will not provide any opportunity for anyone to remain in the country illegally,” he said.
Meanwhile, JIM Kuala Lumpur recorded 845 charges involving 801 foreigners for various immigration offences between January and June 30.
Kuala Lumpur Immigration Director Hamsha Injau said the highest number of charges involved offences under Section 15(4) of the Immigration Act 1959/63 for overstaying, with 556 charges recorded, adding, the department collected RM10.04 million in compounds for various immigration offences during the same period.
“Enforcement action will continue without compromise against any party that violates immigration laws. This includes employers, premises owners and individuals who shelter or employ undocumented migrants,” he said during a media briefing at the Kuala Lumpur Immigration Department office. - July 13, 2026
