108 foreigners detained in Johor Baru immigration raid

Photo courtesy of The Star

Malaysian immigration officers have detained 108 foreign nationals during a joint operation targeting businesses in Johor Baru, with officials saying the group was held for a range of immigration offences.

The operation was conducted on Monday night, July 20, at Taman Sri Bahagia by the Johor Immigration Department and the Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency, known as AKPS.

Johor Immigration director Datuk Mohd Rusdi Mohd Darus said officers focused on shops known to be operated by foreigners. The premises inspected included restaurants and mobile phone shops.

Passes and permits checked

Officers examined travel documents, passes and permits to establish whether each person's presence and activities in Malaysia complied with the law.

The department detained 101 men and seven women aged between 18 and 49. Those held were nationals of Indonesia, Nepal, India, Myanmar, Bangladesh and Pakistan.

Mohd Rusdi said the detentions covered various immigration offences. Two summonses were also issued to Malaysian citizens so they could act as witnesses during the investigation.

Detainees taken to immigration depot

All 108 detainees were transferred to the Setia Tropika immigration depot to assist investigations.

The case is being investigated under Malaysia's Immigration Act 1959/63 and Immigration Regulations 1963. Authorities did not provide a breakdown of the alleged offences attributed to individual detainees.

The operation follows continued enforcement attention on foreign nationals working or conducting commercial activities in Malaysia. In this case, officials specifically checked whether the activities taking place at the inspected businesses were covered by the documents held.

What it means for foreigners in Malaysia

Foreign residents who work, manage a shop or take part in a business should ensure that their immigration pass and any required permits cover the activities they actually perform. Holding valid travel documents does not by itself establish that every form of employment or business activity is authorised.

Employers and local business partners should also keep relevant records available and confirm that foreign staff are working within their approved conditions. Anyone uncertain about their position should obtain advice from Malaysia's Immigration Department or a qualified immigration professional rather than relying on informal assurances.

22 July 2026