Kuala Lumpur:The Malaysian Immigration Department (JIM) has conducted 12,343 enforcement operations targeting illegal business activities and the unlawful operation of premises from 2024 to September 30, resulting in the arrest of 25,124 foreigners.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the operations included Ops Belanja, focusing on business and retail premises; Ops Jaja, targeting hawking activities; and Ops Selera, aimed at restaurants, eateries, and food preparation premises. These operations are part of JIM's continuous and targeted enforcement efforts based on intelligence, public complaints, and monitoring at identified locations.

The Home Affairs Ministry (KDN) provided this information in response to a parliamentary question from Tan Kok Wai (PH-Cheras) regarding the number of operations, arrests, prosecutions, and actions taken against premises illegally managed by foreigners between 2024 and 2026. The ministry also addressed questions about investigations into alleged protection of such activities by syndicates or other parties.

Employers involved in these illegal activities have also been apprehended, with 471 arrests under Ops Belanja, 40 under Ops Jaja, and 1,341 under Ops Selera. The ministry affirmed that any information or complaints regarding the protection of these activities would be thoroughly investigated and followed up with intelligence gathering.

The most common offences detected included being in Malaysia without a valid pass or permit under Section 6(1)(c) of the Immigration Act 1959/63, overstaying under Section 15(1)(c) of the same Act, and breaching pass or permit conditions under Regulation 39(b) of the Immigration Regulations 1963. The ministry emphasized that action would be taken against any individual, employer, or other party found to be involved in employing, protecting, or assisting foreigners who commit immigration offences, in accordance with the laws in force.