A large-scale early-morning operation in the Tampoi Indah area of Johor, Malaysia, resulted in the detention of 92 undocumented migrants, including several Bangladeshis. The raids, which began at 4:00 am on Friday, 28 November, were led by Johor Immigration Director Datuk Mohd Rusdi Mohd Darus and involved simultaneous operations under five separate codenames: Ops Selera, Ops Mari, Ops Sapu, Ops Belanja, and Ops Pintu.
According to the director, intelligence and public tips guided the raids, which targeted workplaces and residences known to accommodate illegal workers. Establishments such as garment factories, restaurants, and beauty service centres were inspected during the operations, with multiple individuals found in violation of Malaysia’s immigration laws.
The detainees included men and women from several nationalities, aged between 19 and 57. Among those apprehended were:
| Nationality | Men | Women | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Indonesia | 19 | 4 | 23 |
| Sri Lanka | 7 | 2 | 9 |
| Myanmar | 19 | 9 | 28 |
| Bangladesh | 8 | 0 | 8 |
| Pakistan | 2 | 0 | 2 |
| China | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| Philippines | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| Other nationalities | 15 | 5 | 20 |
| Total | 70 | 21 | 92 |
Datuk Mohd Rusdi stated that the detainees were found working without valid permits or violating the conditions of their visit or work passes. These offences contravene the Immigration Act 1959/63 and the Immigration Regulations 1963.
All detainees have been taken to the Setia Tropika Immigration Depot for further questioning and investigation. Authorities are examining their records to determine whether additional legal action will be taken, including potential deportation for those found guilty of serious violations.
The operation highlights Malaysia’s continued efforts to enforce immigration laws and curb the employment of undocumented workers, particularly in sectors reliant on foreign labour. Officials stressed that such measures are essential for maintaining legal compliance, workplace safety, and social order across the state of Johor.