Johor: The Immigration Department arrested 420 illegal immigrants suspected of committing various offences during simultaneous raids at 12 factories processing illegal electrical and electronic waste (e-waste) in Johor and Selangor, today. Ten of the factories were located in Johor, while two others were in Telok Panglima Garang, Selangor.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Immigration deputy director-general (operations) Jafri Embok Taha stated that the operation, which started at 9 am and was conducted alongside the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), resulted in the screening of 753 individuals. The offences detected included the absence of valid travel documents, overstaying, and misuse of travel documents.

Jafri reported that those arrested are aged between 20 and 30, predominantly comprising Bangladeshis, followed by Myanmar nationals and Nepalese. After the operation at a factory on Jalan Buloh Kasap, detainees were transported to the Machap Umboo Immigration Depot in Melaka and the Pekan Nanas Immigration Depot in Johor for further investigation.

Additionally, the department detained five locals in their 30s, suspected of acting as representatives for the employers in managing the foreign workers. Jafri confirmed that action will be taken under the Immigration Act 1959/63 and Regulation 39(b) of the Immigration Regulations 1963, with investigations to determine if repeated offences were committed.

A Bernama investigation revealed that although employers provided dormitories for foreign workers, conditions were substandard. The facilities, comprising at least four blocks, were dirty, uncomfortable, and overcrowded, with makeshift bunk beds, scattered cooking utensils, and exposed electrical wiring, posing risks to workers' safety.

It was also reported last Thursday that a nationwide crackdown on illegal e-waste operations, conducted by the police in collaboration with the Department of Environment (DOE), resulted in RM3.8 billion in seizures between Jan 1, 2024, and Feb 17, 2025.