SEREMBAN: An illegal settlement covering 0.3 hectares near a forest in Taman Bandar Senawang was raided by Immigration Department enforcement officers early this morning.
State Department director Kennith Tan Ai Kiang said 69 individuals, including eight women, were screened during the three-hour raid starting at 1am.
Those screened, aged 24 to 60, were from Indonesia and Bangladesh. Eleven of them were arrested for offences under the Immigration Act 1959/63.
The offences include violations of Section 6(1)(c) for lacking valid passports and travel documents, as well as Section 15(1)(c) for overstaying.
Tan said the individuals had been staying in the area for over eight years, utilising allegedly stolen water and electricity sources, and cultivating crops for personal use.
He said although action was taken previously in 2009, the settlement had since expanded.
"Most of those staying here work as construction labourers. It appears this area initially served as housing for construction workers; after project completion, they continued residing here while working in various construction sites," he told reporters after the operation early this morning.
Tan said information showed the settlement was initially provided by employers, who utilised the area as a transit point for foreigners seeking work, charging RM50 per night.
"Nevertheless, we are currently verifying the status of this land, and appropriate action will be taken, including demolishing the premises if it is confirmed that they lack proper authorisation," he said.
Meanwhile, Tan mentioned that during the raid, some foreigners attempted to flee but were apprehended.
Tan further described the settlement's conditions as unsanitary, as well as the presence of individuals acting as leaders among them.
He added that those detained will be placed at the Lenggeng Immigration Depot for investigation and follow-up. - BERNAMA