JOHOR BARU: Four disabled Chinese nationals were detained in a two-day operation after they were found begging at night markets and commercial premises here.
State Immigration Department director Datuk Mohd Rusdi Mohd Darus said the men operated in groups, moved locations frequently and were suspected to be part of a syndicate.
During Op Serkap between Sep 23 and 24, one of the suspects attempted to flee to Ipoh, Perak, but was apprehended at the bus terminal.
Rusdi said they were detained following a three-week surveillance mounted by the department's enforcement division.
"We have received complaints from the public about their aggressive tactics in soliciting money," he said in a statement today.
The undocumented foreigners had used their physical disabilities to evoke sympathy and raked up to RM10,000 a month by targeting strategic locations frequented by generous Malaysians.
All four men, aged between 36 and 67, were found without valid documentation and were arrested under Section 6(1)(c) of the Immigration Act 1959/63 for not possessing valid passes or permits and Section 15(1)(c) of the same Act for overstaying.
Immigration officers also seized more than RM9,000 from the suspects, Rusdi said.