JOHOR BAHRU, Aug 7 — The Johor Immigration Department (JIM) has detained 27 foreign workers without valid permits during ‘Op Selera’, a joint enforcement operation at a food premises in Bandar Baru Permas Jaya on Monday.

Its director, Datuk Mohd Rusdi Mohd Darus, said the operation involved 25 enforcement officers and was carried out based on intelligence and public tip-offs about illegal workers operating at the premises.

Those arrested included eight Indonesian men, eight Indonesian women, five Myanmar men, and six Myanmar women, aged between 18 and 50.

“They are suspected of committing offences under Section 6(1)(c) and Section 15(1)(c) of the Immigration Act 1959/63, as well as under Immigration Regulations 1963 and Regulation 11(7)(a) of the same act,” he said in a statement issued tonight.

Mohd Rusdi also confirmed that a local man, who is the owner of the premises, was arrested under Section 56(1)(d) of the Immigration Act for harbouring undocumented migrants.

All detainees have been placed at the Setia Tropika Immigration Depot for further investigation and legal action. Additionally, three notices have been issued requiring individuals to present themselves at the immigration office to assist with the investigation.

“We want to remind the public and employers not to hire or shelter undocumented migrants, as they will face legal consequences.

“Employers are urged to contact the nearest immigration office directly to obtain accurate and legitimate information, especially if approached by third parties claiming they can manage foreign worker matters,” he added.

— BERNAMA