Immigration raids unlicensed beauty clinics in Bukit Bintang, detaining 15 foreigners for abusing social visit passes and working without permits

KUALA LUMPUR: The Immigration Department has detained 15 foreigners suspected of abusing their Social Visit Passes by working at unlicensed beauty clinics.

Director-general Datuk Zakaria Shaaban said the individuals were arrested during an enforcement operation, Ops Dandan, in Bukit Bintang following public complaints and intelligence.

He said 18 people were checked, with 15 foreign nationals arrested comprising six men and seven women from China, and two women from Myanmar.

“They are suspected of carrying out beauty treatments without permission and do not possess valid Temporary Employment Visit Passes,” he said in a statement.

Initial investigations found the clinics were operating without a Ministry of Health licence and offered facial and body treatments using the foreigners.

The premises are believed to be owned by a Chinese national who also abused a social visit pass and had been operating for a year, earning profits amounting to hundreds of thousands of ringgit.

The operation team seized uniforms, mobile phones, laptops, CCTV recordings, business licences and company documents during the raids.

All detainees were taken for further investigation under Section 6(1)(c) of the Immigration Act 1959/63 and Regulation 39(b) of the Immigration Regulations 1963.

Three local women working at the premises were issued notices to attend the office to assist in the investigation.

Zakaria stressed his department would not compromise and would continue firm action to curb activities violating the country’s laws.

“The public is also reminded not to shield or assist any party that violates immigration laws,” he said.

 The Sun Malaysia