Immigration Dept busts fake work permit syndicate in Johor

JOHOR BARU: The Johor Immigration Department has smashed a syndicate issuing fake temporary employment visit pass (PLKS) and Recalibration Programme (RTK) 2.0 to immigrants with the arrest of six male foreigners.

State director Baharuddin Tahir said based on information and intelligence, the department raided a premises in Iskandar Puteri at around 4.50pm on Thursday (Oct 5).

“The department arrested five Bangladeshis and one Nepalese during the operation. Further checks found one of the Bangladeshi suspects holding a permanent resident status.

“They have been running the operation for a year by forging travel documents, flight tickets, e-visa, RTK 2.0 registration and PLKS while raking in thousands of ringgit in profit,” he said in a statement here on Sunday (Oct 8).

Baharuddin added besides the arrest, the department also seized four Indian passports, a computer, a printer, six mobile phones, a set of travel documents and permit believed to be fake and RM320 in cash.

He urged the public to channel information pertaining to foreigners and would not compromise on any form of activities that were against Malaysian law.

“Syndicates that have been making profits by issuing and supplying fake Immigration Department documents will tarnish the image of this department.

“Stern action will be taken against anyone that is found to be involved in any way or form in protecting illegal immigrants,” he said.