The Immigration Department conducted a raid on May 12, 2026, at 12:30 p.m. at a car seat manufacturing and modification factory in Seri Kembangan, uncovering an alleged foreign-run syndicate employing undocumented workers [1, 2]. The factory was owned and managed by a Chinese national who deliberately hired foreign workers, mostly Chinese nationals, without valid work permits or documentation, according to Deputy Director-General of Immigration (Operations) Datuk Lokman Effendi Ramli. He said, “The employer was found to have selected and hired foreign nationals, especially fellow citizens from China, without valid documents or legal work permits” [2].
A total of 24 individuals were inspected during the operation, including 21 foreigners and 3 local workers [1, 2]. Among those inspected, 16 foreigners aged between 26 and 35, comprising Chinese and Myanmar citizens, were detained for immigration offences and placed at the Immigration Detention Depot for further investigation and processing [1, 2]. The three local individuals were issued Witness Summons Forms (Form 29) to assist with ongoing investigations [1, 2].
Seventeen immigration officers took part in the raid, which was conducted as part of "Ops Mahir," an enforcement campaign targeting illegal employment and undocumented migrants [1, 2]. Datuk Lokman Effendi Ramli emphasized the department's commitment to enforcement, stating, “Strict action will be taken against any party employing and harbouring illegal immigrants” and “Action will be taken against any party employing or protecting undocumented migrants” [1, 2].
The deputy director-general publicly confirmed details of the operation and arrests on May 14, underscoring the department’s continued efforts to clamp down on foreign worker syndicates operating without permits [2]. Follow-up investigations and legal proceedings remain ongoing as authorities seek to dismantle the syndicate and address violations of immigration laws [1, 2].
