KUALA LUMPUR: Illegal immigrant settlements continue to be detected here even after raids have been carried out to stamp them out.
Kuala Lumpur Immigration director Syamsul Badrin Mohshin said the department had detected nine of these settlements so far this year.
He said that most of the settlements had been raided by the Immigration but were found to be "operating" again due to various factors.
"There are also settlements operating on privately-owned land in addition to residences owned by locals that are rented to foreigners.
"There are also cases where these settlements are also inhabited by local citizens as well as foreigners who have valid documents," he told reporters during the Immigration Department's Hari Raya Aidilfitri Celebrations at the Home Ministry (KDN) Complex here on Wednesday (May 10).
He said they would work with many parties including Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) in an effort to deal with this issue.
"We will continue to monitor and conduct operations to ensure that these illegal settlements can be eradicated.
"We also want to remind locals not to conspire with these illegals as those found guilty may be subject to action under Section 55E(1) of the Immigration Act 1959/63," he said.
He added that those who protect or employ foreigners can be fined up to RM50,000 according to Section 56(1)(d) of the Immigration Act 1959/63 and Section 55B of the same Act.
On Saturday (May 6), the Immigration Department had detained 78 foreigners consisting of 47 men, 25 women, three boys and three girls through a raid in a residential area in Segambut Dalam, Kuala Lumpur.
Those arrested were 73 Indonesians and five Bangladeshis.
