13 Indonesians detained in Bangi Ramadan bazaar raid; Immigration vows stricter enforcement.

PETALING JAYA:Immigration officers swooped in on a Ramadan bazaar in Bandar Baru Bangi on the fifth day of the fasting month, detaining 13 Indonesian nationals suspected of breaching immigration laws.

The operation by the Immigration Department’s Enforcement Division was carried out at the Section 13 Community Trade Site on Feb 23 at 3.55pm, following intelligence and monitoring to ensure compliance with immigration laws during Ramadan, particularly at public crowd hotspots such as bazaars.

A total of 720 individuals were screened across 143 bazaar lots, comprising 693 Malaysians, 25 Indonesians and two Bangladeshi men.

Immigration deputy director-general (operations) Datuk Lokman Effendi Ramli said six Indonesian men and seven Indonesian women were detained for suspected offences under Section 6(1)(c) of the Immigration Act 1959/63 and Regulation 39(b) of the Immgration Regulations 1963.

All foreign nationals, aged between 18 and 40, were taken to the Immigration Depot for further investigation and action.

“Throughout the month of Ramadan, inspection and enforcement actions will continue to be carried out from time to time at Ramadan bazaars nationwide.

“The Immigration Department will not compromise against foreign nationals who conduct business illegally and fail to comply with immigration laws,” he said.

Lokman warned that firm actipon will be taken against any individual or employer found to be harbouring or employing undocumented migrants.

“The public is advised to channel any information related to activities that violate immigration laws to the department to ensure public safety and order are preserved,” he said.

 The Sun Malaysia