Ops Selera targets illegal employment at food premises in Bandar Baru Permas Jaya
A surprise raid by the Johor Immigration Department has led to the detention of 27 undocumented foreign workers in a food hub in Johor Bahru, highlighting Malaysia’s growing crackdown on illegal employment practices.
Coordinated Operation in Food Premises
On Monday, August 5, Malaysian Immigration officers executed a targeted operation—Ops Selera—at a food premises in Bandar Baru Permas Jaya. The raid followed intelligence reports and public complaints about the unlawful employment of foreigners at the location.
The integrated raid involved 25 officers from Johor’s Immigration enforcement division. According to Johor Immigration director Datuk Mohd Rusdi Mohd Darus, the operation aimed to disrupt businesses flouting immigration laws by hiring undocumented migrants.
Nationalities and Legal Offences
A total of 27 individuals were arrested during the operation, spanning various nationalities:
- 8 Indonesian men
- 8 Indonesian women
- 5 Myanmar men
- 6 Myanmar women
The detainees, aged between 18 and 50, are being investigated for violations under Section 6(1)(c) and Section 15(1)(c) of the Immigration Act 1959/63, which concern entry without valid permits and overstaying visas.
Authorities have also invoked Regulation 11(7)(a) of the Immigration Regulations 1963, further strengthening their legal grounds for action.
Local Premises Owner Also Nabbed
In a significant move, a local Malaysian man—identified as the food premises’ owner—was also arrested under Section 56(1)(d) of the Immigration Act. This section pertains to harbouring illegal immigrants, an offence that could lead to heavy penalties including fines and imprisonment.
Mohd Rusdi emphasized that the involvement of locals in facilitating illegal work and shelter for undocumented migrants would not be tolerated.
Detainees Sent to Immigration Depot
All arrested individuals have been transported to the Setia Tropika Immigration Depot for further investigation. In addition, three notices were issued to other parties requiring them to appear at the Immigration Department to assist in the ongoing case.
This action aligns with ongoing nationwide enforcement efforts to manage undocumented labour and uphold immigration laws.
Warning to Employers and Public
The Johor Immigration Department issued a strong warning to the public and business owners against employing or harbouring illegal immigrants (PATI). Employers were specifically urged to seek official clarification from the nearest Immigration office when dealing with third parties claiming to handle foreign worker permits.
“Legal action will be taken against anyone found violating these rules,” said Mohd Rusdi. “Always verify before you hire.”
This operation signals intensified scrutiny in Malaysia toward both foreign nationals without valid documentation and the local entities that employ or shelter them. With cross-border implications for neighbouring countries such as Indonesia and Singapore, the crackdown serves as a reminder of the importance of compliant labour practices and lawful migration processes in the region.
Sources: The Sun (2025) , Bernama (2025)
Keywords: Immigration Raid, Foreign Workers, Ops Selera, Johor Immigration, Illegal Permits
