The Malaysian Immigration Department has carried out a significant “mega-operation” in the state of Terengganu, resulting in the detention of 222 Bangladeshi nationals. The crackdown, which took place on Sunday, 15 February 2026, is part of an intensifying nationwide effort by Malaysian authorities to identify and deport undocumented foreign workers and those violating the terms of their residency.
The Scope of the Operation
According to Mohamad Yusri Mohamad Nor, the Director of the Terengganu Immigration Department, the operation commenced at 10:00 am and concluded at 5:00 pm. During this seven-hour window, enforcement officers conducted rigorous checks on a total of 316 foreign nationals across various locations suspected of housing or employing undocumented individuals.
Following the screening process, 226 individuals were formally detained for various breaches of the Immigration Act 1959/63. While the vast majority of the detainees are from Bangladesh, the group also includes three Indonesians and one Indian national.
The primary legal infractions identified during the initial investigation include:
Lack of Valid Documentation: Failure to produce legitimate personal identification or work permits.
Overstaying: Remaining in the country beyond the expiry date of their social visit or work passes.
Visa Abuse: Engaging in employment while holding a visa that prohibits work, or working in a sector not permitted by their specific permit.
Regional Enforcement Statistics
The Terengganu Immigration Department has been particularly active in early 2026. Director Mohamad Yusri disclosed that between 1 January and 15 February 2026, the department has apprehended a cumulative total of 415 undocumented migrant workers. This demographic spans a wide array of South and Southeast Asian nations.
| Nationality of Detainees (Jan–Feb 2026) | Primary Countries Involved |
| Total Arrests | 415 Individuals |
| Largest Group | Bangladeshis |
| Other Nationalities | Indonesia, Myanmar, Pakistan, Thailand |
| Minority Groups | Cambodia, India, Nepal |
| Current Custody Site | Ajil Immigration Depot, Kuala Berang |
Legal Consequences and Diplomatic Implications
The 226 detainees from Sunday’s raid have been transported to the Ajil Immigration Depot in Kuala Berang. They will remain there pending further investigation and the commencement of formal legal proceedings, which typically result in heavy fines, short-term imprisonment, and eventual blacklisting and deportation.
This surge in arrests highlights the ongoing challenges faced by migrant workers in Malaysia, many of whom are lured by unscrupulous recruitment agents only to find themselves without legal status upon arrival. For the Bangladeshi community, which forms the backbone of Malaysia’s construction and plantation sectors, such large-scale detentions often lead to significant economic hardship for families back home.
Authorities have reiterated that employers found to be harbouring or hiring undocumented workers will also face severe penalties under Malaysian law, including potential canning and imprisonment.