KUALA TERENGGANU: A Bangladeshi man's attempt to evade immigration authorities failed after he got stuck trying to escape through a bathroom window in a flat in Kampung Nisan Empat last night.
Terengganu Immigration Department personnel had to use a ladder to free the man from the window frame.
The man, in his 40s, was among 35 foreigners who were staying at the flat. All of them work in construction sites in Marang and Kuala Nerus.
Terengganu Immigration Department deputy director (Control) Mat Amin Hassan said the operation, carried out with the assistance of the National Security Council and National Registration Department began at 9pm last night.
He said authorities blocked all exits to prevent anyone from escaping.
"The foreigners attempted to escape, using the emergency staircase and elevators, but failed as all exits were blocked," he told Harian Metro.
A total of 218 foreigners were screened, including two teenagers. Of these, 35 aged 15 to 53, were arrested for various offences, including lacking travel documents.
Those detained were sent to the Ajil Immigration Depot.
The case is being probed under Section 6(1) (c) of the Immigration Act for failing to produce valid travel documents and Section 15 (1) (c) for overstaying.
He also said notices were issued to two locals to assist in investigations.
"The Immigration Department will take action against anyone found to employ and shelter undocumented migrants."