Concerns about public order prompt enforcement action in Petaling Jaya
Petaling Jaya, Selangor – In response to public complaints regarding disruptions allegedly caused by illegal foreign residents in the Old Klang Road vicinity, the Malaysian Immigration Department undertook a large-scale operation resulting in the detention of 90 foreigners suspected of illegal residency. The operation was initiated after local inhabitants expressed concerns over disturbances linked to unauthorised gatherings and activities believed to involve African nationals and individuals from various Asian countries, affecting the community’s safety and order.
Immigration raid executed following an extended investigation period
The enforcement action took place at approximately 9:40pm on 15 June after a two-week inquiry by immigration officers. Authorities inspected 131 individuals in total, consisting of 82 foreign men, 34 foreign women, and 15 Malaysian nationals. According to Datuk Zakaria, Director-General of the Malaysian Immigration Department, the detainees ranged in age from 21 to 35 and originated from multiple countries including Nigeria, Yemen, Syria, Somalia, Guinea-Bissau, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Mali, and 16 Asian countries such as Indonesia, Myanmar, Bangladesh, Vietnam, Thailand, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and India.
Immigration Department outlines enforcement measures and ongoing investigations
Datuk Zakaria further elaborated that the detainees were primarily implicated in immigration offences such as overstaying and possession of invalid travel documents. Investigators found some individuals attempting to conceal their status by using expired passes while operating informal businesses, including stalls in public parking spaces, eateries, and restaurant surroundings. The persistent late-night gatherings reportedly compromised public safety and disrupted community harmony.
Additionally, the owner of a local restaurant where part of the operation took place was issued an immediate summons, suspecting complicity or facilitation of illegal activities. The individual has been instructed to report to the Immigration Department for further inquiries.
All detainees have been processed under Section 51(5)(b) of the Immigration Act 1959/63 and transferred to the Immigration Depot at Kuala Lumpur International Airport pending further legal action. The department reaffirmed its zero-tolerance approach towards illegal residence, overstaying, and misuse of passes, warning of stern penalties for those involved directly or indirectly in harbouring or employing illegal immigrants.
Discussions about community impact and regulation implementations have surfaced on social platforms
The immigration raid has drawn attention on social media and among local forums, where members of the public and industry observers have deliberated the challenges related to illegal immigrant populations in urban areas such as Petaling Jaya and Seri Kembangan. General consensus highlighted the complexity of balancing enforcement and humanitarian considerations in cases involving multiple nationalities across Africa and Asia. Meanwhile, authorities continue to emphasise regular enforcement operations to uphold migration laws and public safety, a stance echoed in previous actions around Batu Caves and other Selangor districts.
Operation effects will influence enforcement strategies and community safety monitoring going forward
In the immediate term, the enforcement operation led to increased movement restrictions along Old Klang Road, with minor traffic congestion reported during the night of the raid due to police and immigration activity. Over the longer term, authorities are expected to integrate findings from such operations into enhanced safety protocols and possible community engagement initiatives to better address illegal squatter activity and its associated risks.
Monitoring of safety standards and adherence to immigration laws remains a priority for agencies responsible for engineering public order and managing urban spaces. Such coordinated enforcement efforts will likely continue as part of broader strategies within the Klang Valley and greater Selangor region to minimise illegal activity and maintain community wellbeing.
Location: Petaling Jaya
Date: 2025-12-16
