GEORGE TOWN: An employer hastily abandoned his shop in Prangin Mall when he discovered that the state Immigration Department's enforcement division is conducting a raid.
It is believed that the employer's swift departure was due to the fact that his foreign workers lacked the necessary valid passes and permits.
According to the state Immigration Department, eight foreign workers failed to produce valid travel documents or work passes.
It said the workers, aged between 30 and 50, comprised two Chinese men, one Myanmar man, four Indonesian men and an Indonesian woman.
"They were arrested for suspected violations of Section 6(1)(c) of the Immigration Act 1959/63.
"Further investigation is underway and efforts to locate the employer will be carried out in accordance with the applicable legal provisions," it said.
In a separate case, a 46-year-old Pakistani man suspected of working as a security guard at a place of worship in Lebuh Faquhar was apprehended.
He was unable to produce any valid travel documents.
All those arrested will be detained at the Juru Immigration Depot.
The state Immigration Department urged the public to continue providing information regarding foreign nationals who violated laws so that appropriate action could be taken.