Muallim: The Perak Immigration Department arrested 11 illegal immigrants in raids on seven separate business premises around Muallim district yesterday. Its director, Meor Hezbullah Meor Abd Malik, stated that the detained individuals, aged between 20 and 45, were apprehended in operations conducted by a team comprising eight Immigration officers, 10 personnel from the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry (KPDN) Tapah branch, and Tanjong Malim district council officers. The raids involved checking 24 Malaysians and various foreigners from 7:30 pm until approximately 3 pm.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the suspects include three Indonesian men, seven Bangladeshi men, and one Indian man. They are currently held at the Ipoh Immigration Depot to assist in investigations under Section 6(1)(c) and 15(1)(c) of the Immigration Act 1959/63 and Regulation 39(b) of the Immigration Regulations 1963. Meor Hezbullah has urged customers and witnesses present during the raids to report to the Ipoh Immigration Office to facilitate ongoing investigations under the Immigration Act 1959/63.

The department is also investigating the business owners and employers responsible for hiring the foreign nationals. They may face charges under Section 55(B) or 55(E) of the Immigration Act for employing illegal immigrants.