26 foreigners nabbed for immigration offences in Pulau Perhentian

KUALA LUMPUR: Over two dozen foreigners were rounded up for various offences during an Immigration Department operation in Terengganu.

Immigration director-general Datuk Ruslin Jusoh said in a statement that 26 individuals were caught in the Pulau Perhentian area during the operation on Monday (Sept 9).

“All those detained are believed to have been operating businesses and working here since early this year,” he said on Wednesday (Sept 11).

“Those arrested were aged between 22 and 50 years old.

“Three Bangladeshi men, two Pakistani men and three Thai women only had social visit passes.

“The rest had no valid travel documents or visit passes,” he added.

According to Ruslin, several individuals tried to escape but were successfully apprehended, despite the difficult terrain.

Investigations showed that, among others, the suspects operated water taxis and spa services and worked as security guards for a resort.

“They are all believed to have been working for around nine months,” Ruslin said, adding that two local employers have been summoned to aid investigations.