JOHOR BARU: The state Immigration Department detained 26 foreign night market traders in a joint operation here on April 17.
The operation, codenamed Ops Bersama, saw enforcement officers from the department and Johor Baru City Council (MBJB) as well as police checking traders' documents at night markets in Taman Daya, Taman Desa Jaya and Plentong.
The foreigners, including seven women, aged between 21 and 58 were found to have operated stalls without valid permits and licences.
State Immigration Department director Baharuddin Tahir said the foreigners were from Cambodia, Indonesia, Bangladesh and Myanmar.
MPJB enforcement officers also seized their goods.
"They had misused their passes and permits, and remained in the country illegally and operated business," he said, adding that some were unable to produce their passports.