Foreign Beggars in Johor Earn Up to SGD 180 Daily, Immigration Reveals
The Johor Immigration Department has arrested 18 foreign nationals found begging at night markets in Kampung Melayu Majidee and Taman Abad, with each individual earning up to SGD 180 (RM 600) daily from illegal activities. The arrests were made following enforcement operations on February 3, 2025, prompted by public complaints about foreign beggars in the area.
18 Foreign Nationals Arrested in Night Market Raids
On February 3, 2025, the Johor Immigration Department conducted raids at Kampung Melayu Majidee and Taman Abad night markets, arresting 18 foreign beggars. The operations began at 7 PM, following public complaints and intelligence reports about illegal activities in the area.
Foreign Beggars Earn Up to SGD 180 Daily
Investigations revealed that each beggar could earn up to SGD 180 (RM 600) per day, potentially amassing around SGD 4,500 (RM 15,000) monthly. This income far exceeds Malaysia’s minimum wage, raising concerns about organized begging syndicates exploiting foreign nationals for profit.
Detainees Include Nationals from Six Countries
The arrested individuals included: – 4 men from China – 4 men from Thailand – 3 men and 1 woman from Cambodia – 2 men and 2 women from Syria – 1 man from Bangladesh – 1 man from Pakistan Their ages ranged from 40 to 69 years old. Some of the detainees were identified as disabled, allegedly to gain sympathy from the public while begging.
Immigration Law Violations and Ongoing Investigations
The detainees are suspected of violating the Immigration Act 1959/63 and Immigration Regulations 1963, which regulate entry, residence, and employment of foreign nationals. They have been detained at the Setia Tropika Immigration Depot for further investigation. Authorities are also probing potential links to human trafficking or organized begging syndicates.
Additional Arrests in Separate Immigration Crackdown
In a related operation on February 3, 2025, immigration officers arrested 8 foreign nationals at Felda Tenggaroh, Mersing, for lacking valid work permits. The detainees included: – 5 Indonesian men – 2 Indian men – 1 Myanmar national These arrests were made following inspections at four premises, including a livestock pen in a palm oil plantation. All individuals are now under investigation at the Pekan Nenas Immigration Depot.
These arrests highlight Malaysia’s strict enforcement of immigration laws. Visitors should be cautious of engaging with street beggars, as some may be linked to illegal networks. Additionally, stricter border controls and increased security checks may lead to longer immigration processing times when traveling between Singapore and Johor Bahru. This incident also raises awareness about potential human trafficking activities disguised as street begging, emphasizing the need for vigilance in public spaces.
Sources: Malay Mail, The Star (2025)
Keywords: Malaysia, Johor Bahru, Immigration, Illegal Begging, Foreign Nationals, Night Market, Law Enforcement, Immigration Act, Public Safety, Crime, Deportation, Immigration Raid, Human Trafficking
