SEREMBAN: The Negri Sembilan Immigration Department conducted an early morning raid on a suspected illegal settlement covering 0.3ha near the forest in Taman Bandar Senawang on Wednesday (July 17).
Its director, Kennith Tan Ai Kiang, said that during the three-hour raid starting at 1am, a total of 69 individuals, including eight women aged 24 to 60 years old from Indonesia and Bangladesh, were inspected.
Eleven of them were arrested for offences under the Immigration Act 1959/63.
"The offences include violations of Section 6(1)(c) for lacking valid passports and travel documents, as well as Section 15(1)(c) for overstaying,” he said.
"Based on gathered information, these individuals have resided in this area for over eight years, utilising allegedly stolen water and electricity sources, and cultivating crops for personal use. Although action was taken against this location in 2009, it has since expanded.
"Most of them work as construction labourers. It appears this area initially served as housing for construction workers; after project completion, they continued residing here while working at various construction sites,” he told reporters after the operation early this morning.
Tan explained that the settlement had been provided by the employers. However, intelligence revealed that the employers also used the settlement as a transit point for foreigners seeking work, charging RM50 per night.
"We are currently verifying the status of this land, and appropriate action will be taken, including demolishing the premises if it is confirmed that they lack proper authorisation,” he said.
Meanwhile, Tan mentioned that during the raid, some foreigners attempted to flee but were apprehended.
He further described the settlement's conditions as unsanitary, with individuals acting as leaders among them.
He added that those detained will be placed at the Lenggeng Immigration Depot for investigation and follow-up. – Bernama
