PUCHONG: The Immigration Department detained 85 people in a crackdown on businesses run by foreigners in Kinrara yesterday.
The crackdown saw raids on shops in Kinrara where foreigners, exploiting "Ali Baba" practices, purportedly "monopolised" businesses.
Immigration Department director-general Datuk Ruslin Jusoh said the raid was carried out following a week's surveillance.
Of those arrested, 71 are foreigners, locals (14), and permanent residents (1). All those detained are aged between seven months and 61 years.
The foreigners comprise men and women from Indonesia (21), Bangladesh (22), India (12,) Pakistan (6), Myanmar (5) and Sri Lanka (3).
Also detained were two children from Indonesia and Bangladesh.
The locals and the permanent resident who are originally from India are believed to be owners of the businesses raided.
All the detainees have been taken to the Machap Umboo Immigration Detention Depot for further action.
"Among the offences detected among the foreigners included illegal entry and overstaying," he said in a statement.
"The locals and permanent resident are being investigated for illegally employing foreigners," he said.
He added that his department would not compromise on any immigration offences.
"Stern action will also be taken against anyone who employs or provides shelter to illegal immigrants," he said.