KUALA LUMPUR: A total of 120 employers suspected of hiring and sheltering illegal immigrants without proper permits were detained by the Immigration Department during operations nationwide.
Kuala Lumpur Immigration Department director-general Wan Mohammed Saupee Wan Yusoff said that as of Sept 19, 1,170 operations had been conducted based on complaints from the public and intelligence reports regarding these employers.
He said this includes operations such as Ops Sapu, Ops Belanja, Ops Jaja, Ops Selera, Ops Gegar, Ops Dandan, Ops Minyak, Ops Serkap, Ops Bersepadu, Ops Kutip and Ops Mahir.
"Based on public complaints and gathered intelligence, 1,170 operations were conducted on various premises during that period.
"Following the raids, a total of 6,391 individuals were inspected, with 2,084 detained for various offences," he said yesterday.
He said that 18 participants present in the programme, including members of the media, were given the opportunity to handle a 'CZ P-09 pistol' during the Falling Plate shooting event from a distance of 20m.
He added that out of the total arrests, 120 individuals were employers or individuals who hired or sheltered illegal immigrants.
Wan Mohamed Saupee said actions against employers were taken under Section 55B of the Immigration Act 1959/63, Section 56(1)(d), and Section 55E of the same act.
The Immigration Department, he said, is highly attentive to public concerns about the surge of illegal immigrants, particularly in the capital.
"Premises owners and employers are reminded that harbouring illegal immigrants or allowing them to enter and remain on the premises is a violation of the law, as these actions can threaten national security and public order," he added.