Between 3:00 PM and 6:30 PM on October 14, the Malaysian Immigration Department, in collaboration with the border control and protection agency, conducted an intensive operation targeting 22 business establishments across Johor Bahru. A total of 73 foreign nationals suspected of violating immigration laws were taken into custody. According to a report by The Star on October 16, the crackdown focused on businesses operated by undocumented migrants, including premises allegedly involved in online gambling, lottery betting, foot and body massage parlors, and local tom yam restaurants.
The detained foreigners, aged between 20 and 45, come from a wide range of countries including Myanmar, Indonesia, Thailand, Sudan, the Philippines, Pakistan, Bangladesh, China, and Vietnam. In addition, enforcement officers arrested two Malaysian citizens—a 40-year-old man and a 50-year-old woman—suspected of acting as managers or caretakers for the raided premises. All individuals were transported to the Setia Tropika Immigration Depot in Johor Bahru for further investigation regarding entry without valid permits and overstaying.
As a major border hub adjacent to Singapore, Johor Bahru frequently sees grey-area commercial ventures and informal labor networks flourish in local shops. This joint operation demonstrates that local enforcement against illegal labor and illicit gambling fronts remains unyielding. For foreigners working or doing business in Malaysia, maintaining valid visas and proper work permits is essential to avoid sudden custody and deportation.
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