Malaysian Immigration authorities in Johor have conducted a large-scale enforcement operation, detaining 74 foreign nationals found without valid travel documents. The raid, carried out at 10 residential units in the Senai district, targeted illegal immigrants living in houses that had been converted into dense living quarters.

The operation began at 00:45 local time on Wednesday after weeks of intelligence gathering.

“Shocked by our presence, some of them tried to escape or hide in rooms, but our team managed to capture them,” officials stated.

Detention Details and Foreign National Demographics

The operation, involving approximately 40 law enforcement personnel, successfully detained foreign nationals from various countries, including nine Indonesian citizens.

Nationality Male Female Total Adults Children
Indonesia 6 2 8 1 (Female, 4 years)
Myanmar 32 18 50 1 (Male, 2 months)
Bangladesh 14 0 14 0
Total Overall 52 20 72 2

The detained foreign nationals ranged in age from 18 to 47 years. Two children, including a two-month-old Myanmar baby boy and a four-year-old Indonesian girl, were also secured along with their parents.

Legal Basis for Detention

Officials confirmed that the detentions were made because the foreign nationals lacked official travel documents or had overstayed their permitted duration of stay.

They are currently being investigated under the Immigration Act 1959/63 and have been sent to the Setia Tropika Immigration Depot for further legal proceedings.

Johor

Johor is a state in southern Malaysia, historically known as the Johor Sultanate which was established in the 16th century after the fall of Malacca. It is a significant cultural and economic hub, home to landmarks like the Sultan Abu Bakar State Mosque and the royal town of Johor Bahru. Today, it is a major gateway to Singapore and features popular attractions such as Legoland Malaysia and the rainforest of Endau-Rompin National Park.

Senai district

The Senai district is a key industrial and transportation hub located in Johor, Malaysia. Historically a rural area, it experienced significant development with the establishment of Senai Airport in 1974, which is now a major gateway to the southern region. Its growth has been further fueled by its proximity to the Iskandar Malaysia economic zone.

Indonesia

Indonesia is a Southeast Asian archipelago of over 17,000 islands, historically shaped by powerful Hindu-Buddhist empires like Srivijaya and Majapahit, followed by the spread of Islam and centuries of Dutch colonial rule. It is a nation of immense cultural and linguistic diversity, united by its national motto “Bhinneka Tunggal Ika” (Unity in Diversity). Its rich cultural heritage is showcased in iconic sites like the Borobudur and Prambanan Temple Compounds.

Myanmar

Myanmar, also known as Burma, is a Southeast Asian nation with a rich history centered around powerful Buddhist kingdoms like the Pagan Empire, which left a legacy of thousands of ancient temples. The country was under British colonial rule until gaining independence in 1948 and endured decades of military junta rule before a recent, fragile transition towards democracy. Its cultural landscape is profoundly shaped by Theravada Buddhism, exemplified by iconic sites such as the Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon.

Bangladesh

Bangladesh is a South Asian country formed in 1971 after a war of independence from Pakistan. Its history is deeply rooted in the Bengal region, with a rich cultural heritage influenced by ancient Buddhist, Hindu, and Mughal empires. The country is known for its lush riverine landscape, being home to the world’s largest river delta formed by the Ganges, Brahmaputra, and Meghna rivers.

Immigration Act 1959/63

The Immigration Act 1959/63 is not a physical place but a foundational piece of legislation in Malaysian history. It was enacted to regulate immigration and is historically significant for establishing the principle of *jus soli* (right by birth) for citizenship, which was later removed. This act and its subsequent amendments have been central to shaping Malaysia’s citizenship and immigration policies.

Setia Tropika Immigration Depot

The Setia Tropika Immigration Depot is a modern immigration detention center located in Johor Bahru, Malaysia. It was established to manage and process undocumented migrants and asylum seekers. The facility is part of Malaysia’s broader immigration control system, which has faced international scrutiny regarding the treatment and conditions of detainees.