64 Bangladeshis among 105 immigrants held in Malaysia

A total of 105 illegal immigrants, including 64 Bangladeshis, have been arrested by the Malaysia's Johor Immigration Department in Masai early on New Year’s Day.

The operation, codenamed 'Ops Sapu' and targeting undocumented migrants, saw 454 individuals inspected, with 105 found in violation of immigration laws and regulations, reports nst.com.

Johor immigration director Datuk Mohd Rusdi Mohd Darus said the migrants were given ample time to enrol in the Migrant Repatriation Programme, which expired yesterday (Dec 31, 2024), allowing them to return to their home countries voluntarily.

"Now that the deadline has expired, immigration will continue with intensified enforcement to combat immigration violators. Employers, premises owners, or individuals who hire or harbour undocumented migrants will also face stern actions," he said in a statement.

The 1.15am raid resulted in the detention of 24 Indonesians, including four women, 16 Myanmar nationals, a Pakistani man, and 64 Bangladeshi men, aged between 20 and 56.

Rusdi said that although some detainees attempted to hide in tight places in their cabin quarters, including cupboards, and some climbed onto the roofs, their efforts proved futile._Agencies.