KUALA LUMPUR — The Malaysian Immigration Department detained 9,497 foreigners for various offences through 2,618 enforcement operations carried out nationwide for the period from Jan 1 to March 9.
Immigration Director-General Datuk Zakaria Shaaban said that of the total arrests, 1,158 individuals were arrested for offences under Regulation 39(b) of the Immigration Regulations 1963, which is violating pass conditions.
He said most of them were found to be abusing the pass facilities provided, particularly the Temporary Work Visit Pass (PLKS) and Social Visit Pass (PLS) for the purpose of carrying out activities that were not in line with the pass conditions.
“The immigration department views seriously the involvement of a few foreign nationals who were detected abusing the PLS to enter as tourists, but instead carrying out work activities at premises such as restaurants or factories,” he said in a statement here, today.
Zakaria said the top five nationals arrested for violating the pass conditions were Bangladeshis with 532 people, followed by Thailand (248), Indonesia (111), China (86) and Pakistan (51).
Zakaria said that out of the 1,158 arrests, a total of 482 individuals were arrested for misusing the PLS, including 235 Thai citizens, followed by Bangladesh (83), China (62), Indonesia (62), Pakistan (13), and 27 other nationals.
“Initial investigations found that some of them were actively involved in the management and operation of business premises without valid permission.
“The Malaysian Immigration Department stresses that enforcement actions will continue to be enhanced and no compromise will be given to any foreign national who misuses the country’s immigration facilities,” he said.
— BERNAMA
