843 Undocumented Migrants Detained in Major Night Raid at Selayang Baru

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 7 — A total of 843 undocumented migrants were detained during a large-scale integrated enforcement operation in Selayang Baru last night, following public complaints over a rising influx of foreign workers and unlicensed roadside businesses.

Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari, who also chairs the State Security Committee, said the operation targeted individuals suspected of various offences under the Immigration Act.

According to Amirudin, the detainees comprised 808 men and 35 women, aged between 21 and 53, from Indonesia, Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, Nepal and Pakistan.

The coordinated raid involved 358 personnel from multiple agencies, including the Immigration Department, police, armed forces, National Registration Department and local authorities. Senior officials present included Immigration Department deputy director-general (operations) Datuk Lokman Effendi Ramli, Selangor police chief Datuk Shazeli Kahar, and Selangor Immigration director Khairul Aminus Kamaruddin.

Amirudin confirmed that two Malaysian citizens were also arrested on suspicion of drug abuse.

Those detained were believed to have committed offences such as not possessing identification documents, overstaying, violating pass conditions, or using unrecognized cards. All were subsequently taken to the Semenyih Immigration Depot for further investigation.

The Menteri Besar said similar operations had previously been carried out in Seri Muda, the Selangor Wholesale Market, and several other hotspot areas.

Addressing claims that Selayang Baru’s low rental rates attract large numbers of migrants, he said the issue is influenced more by market demand, its proximity to Kuala Lumpur, and the area’s role as a hub for trade and daily-wage work.

“This operation will continue to detect, arrest, prosecute and deport foreigners who violate the law, in accordance with the Immigration Act 1959/63, the Passport Act 1966, the Immigration Regulations 1963, and the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Act 2007,” he added.

Amirudin also reminded employers to use legal channels when hiring foreign workers, warning that non-compliance may lead to enforcement actions that could disrupt business operations and compromise public safety.