Malaysia’s Immigration Department detained a total of 30,801 foreign nationals for various immigration offences as of May 31, 2026, officials announced on June 9 [1, 2, 3]. Of those detained, 2,324 were found to have misused their immigration passes by engaging in activities not permitted under their entry conditions [1, 2, 3].

The department has stepped up enforcement operations targeting foreigners violating pass conditions or conducting unauthorized work and business activities. Immigration director-general Zakaria Shaaban said the agency "will continue to intensify enforcement operations and strengthen strategic cooperation with ministries, enforcement agencies and local authorities to ensure that all violations of the law are addressed more effectively and comprehensively" [1]. He added the department is committed to ensuring immigration facilities are used as approved and to supporting government efforts to maintain public order and a fair economic environment [3].

The Immigration Department has established an Enforcement Inspectorate and carries out targeted operations in hotspot areas. It also takes firm action against employers who violate immigration regulations while collaborating with other enforcement bodies to improve compliance [1, 2, 3].

Following complaints about alleged foreign monopolization of certain business sectors, integrated operations were conducted in Kuala Lumpur in early June. These raids targeted three hotspots: Maluri, Pantai Dalam, and Segambut Dalam, covering 16 business premises [4, 5]. During the operations, 43 people were screened, resulting in the detention of 30 foreigners under the Immigration Act for suspected offences [4, 5].

Those detained included 29 men and one woman from Bangladesh (19), Indonesia (5), India (3), Pakistan (1), and Myanmar (1). Many had misused permits by working in positions different from those approved, such as cashiers or general workers at sundry shops, barber shops, mobile phone outlets, and eateries [4, 5].

The Companies Commission of Malaysia issued 15 notices to inspect business premises for offences including failure to display registered names and company registration numbers. Meanwhile, the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry issued 10 compounds totaling RM6,500 related to pricing and weighing/measuring equipment offences [4, 5].

The detained migrants were brought to the Kuala Lumpur Immigration Enforcement Division for further checks. Investigations are ongoing under Immigration Act Sections 6(1)(c) and 15(1)(c) concerning illegal entry and overstaying [4, 5].

Authorities are continuing coordinated operations across Malaysia as part of efforts to enforce immigration laws and ensure compliance with pass conditions.