JOHOR BARU: State Immigration Department officers detained 75 foreign workers in a series of enforcement raids targeting eateries, hair salons and other businesses in Pasir Gudang, Desa Cemerlang and Iskandar Puteri.
The raids, conducted from Sunday to yesterday and codenamed Op Selera, Op Dandan, Op Belanja, and Op Kutip, focused on business owners who were suspected of employing foreign workers without valid documents and permits.
The enforcement officers inspected 38 premises and checked 209 individuals, leading to the detention of 68 foreigners.
Johor Immigration director Datuk Mohd Rusdi Mohd Darus said those detained were from Myanmar, Indonesia, Bangladesh, India and Nepal, with ages ranging from 18 to 58.
The department also issued 16 notices to employers to appear at the its enforcement office to have their statements recorded.
Meanwhile, a joint-raid was conducted in Iskandar Puteri yesterday, leading to the detention of another six men and a woman.
The operation focused on foreigners employed without valid work permits and businesses operating without necessary licences.
Rusdi said similar joint operations with government agencies will be frequently conducted to flush out migrants working illegally in the state.
He urged the public to report any suspicious activities involving undocumented workers to assist with ongoing efforts.