KUALA LUMPUR: The Immigration Department will intensify enforcement operations in Janda Baik, Pahang, following concerns raised by residents over the growing presence of foreigners and their involvement in economic activities in the area.
Immigration director-general Datuk Zakaria Shaaban said the department was taking the concerns seriously, particularly over the possibility of illegal employment and accommodation arrangements involving undocumented foreigners.
He said enforcement efforts would not only target undocumented migrants but also employers, business operators and property owners found employing, harbouring or allowing them to stay on their premises.
"The Immigration Department takes seriously the concerns raised by residents regarding the presence and involvement of foreigners in economic activities around Janda Baik, Bentong, as reported by the media on Oct 11.
"We will continue strengthening intelligence-led enforcement, focusing not only on undocumented migrants but also employers, premises owners and operators, as well as any parties employing, harbouring or allowing undocumented foreigners to reside on premises under their control," he said in a statement.
Zakaria revealed that the Pahang Immigration Department had previously conducted an enforcement operation in Janda Baik on April 24, during which eight locations were inspected.
A total of 82 individuals were screened during the operation, resulting in the detention of 38 foreigners suspected of committing various immigration offences.
He said the department would step up surveillance, intelligence gathering and enforcement operations based on information and complaints received from the public.
Zakaria acknowledged that the presence of foreigners in Janda Baik was partly driven by employment opportunities and economic activities, particularly in the tourism sector.
These included resorts, chalets and other accommodation establishments, as well as agricultural and commercial activities.
However, he warned that such economic opportunities could also create avenues for the illegal employment of foreigners and the provision of accommodation arrangements that violated immigration laws.
He said employers and premises owners found breaching immigration regulations could face legal action under the Immigration Act 1959/63, including Sections 55B and 55E, where applicable.
Zakaria said the department would also strengthen cooperation with local authorities and other enforcement agencies to address the issue comprehensively.
This would involve intelligence sharing and coordinated enforcement action within the respective jurisdictions of the agencies involved.
He said cooperation from residents and local community associations was equally important in identifying suspected immigration violations.
"The department appreciates the cooperation of local residents and residents' associations in providing information on activities suspected of violating immigration laws.
"Accurate information will enable us to verify complaints and take appropriate action without requiring members of the public to expose themselves to unnecessary risks," he said.
Zakaria assured residents that the department would continue monitoring developments in Janda Baik and ensure sustained enforcement action against immigration offences.
He said appropriate action would be taken against any party found violating immigration laws.
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