Immigration raid in Kuala Lumpur busts foreign nationals posing as doctors, seizing unapproved medicines and detaining 18 for various offences.

KUALA LUMPUR: Immigration authorities have detained 18 foreign nationals, including six posing as doctors, in a coordinated raid on nine premises in Pudu.

The operation, conducted with the Kuala Lumpur Health Department, followed two weeks of surveillance on locations around Jalan Tun Tan Siew Sin.

Immigration deputy director-general Datuk Lokman Effendi Ramli said the premises were operating under the guise of legitimate businesses like sundry shops and eateries.

“The premises raided were operating as sundry shops, textile stores, eateries, travel agency counters and barber shops at the front, while the back had been converted into makeshift consultation rooms and storage spaces for illegal medicines,” he said.

He added that most clients were Bangladeshi nationals attracted by lower fees and easier communication.

Inspections revealed the premises were supplying medicines requiring specialist prescriptions, which were not approved by the Health Ministry.

Seized items included treatments for diabetes, high blood pressure, and cholesterol, along with antibiotics and painkillers.

Lokman Effendi said initial investigations indicate the medicines were smuggled in by Bangladeshi visitors and sold for between RM50 and RM100.

All 18 men, comprising 17 Bangladeshis and one Myanmar national, were arrested under the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952 and the Immigration Act.

They were detained for offences including invalid travel documents, pass misuse, and overstaying.

 The Sun Malaysia