SEBERANG JAYA: Some did not possess valid passes, while others violated the conditions of their passes by working in sectors other than those for which their passes were approved.
The question, however, arose as to whether they adhered to the health procedures established by the health authorities since they did not possess valid passes and permits to directly handle food for customers.
These issues were uncovered during a raid conducted by the state Immigration Department as part of Ops Selera, targeting a food court located within a shopping centre here.
A total of 27 food handlers, working in selected stalls, were inspected.
As a result, the department said 11 foreign workers were detained.
The 11, aged between 25 and 40, included six Bangladeshi men, three Nepalese men, an Indonesian man, and an Indonesian woman.
"They were arrested for suspected violations under the Immigration Act 1959/63 and the Immigration Regulations 1963, and are under further investigation and action by the department.
"Additionally, several summonses were issued to local workers to attend and assist with the investigations and further actions against the business owners," it said.
If found guilty, the penalty for employing one or more individuals who are neither citizens nor valid permit holders is a fine of not less than RM10,000 and not more than RM50,000, or imprisonment for a period not exceeding one year, or both, for each worker.