79 Bangladeshi Workers Nabbed in Factory Raid, Employer Compliance Questioned Again
IPOH, April 9 — A joint operation by the Jabatan Imigresen Malaysia (JIM) in Perak led to the arrest of 79 Bangladeshi men at two glove factories in Chemor, once again raising concerns over employer compliance.
The raid, carried out with the Jabatan Tenaga Kerja (JTK), Polis Diraja Malaysia (PDRM), Pasukan Gerakan Am (PGA) and Jabatan Pendaftaran Negara (JPN), targeted workers during a shift change — a common enforcement window.
Perak JIM director James Lee said most detainees were suspected of misusing social visit passes, including overstaying.
Initial findings also suggest that some workers were employed outside the sectors or employers stated in their permits — a violation that points to lapses on the employer side.
All detainees are being investigated under Regulation 39B of the Immigration Regulations 1963, while the Jabatan Tenaga Kerja is examining possible labour law breaches.
The same premises had been raided before, indicating recurring compliance issues.
Authorities stressed that enforcement will continue, particularly against employers who enable misuse of foreign labour.
-wilayah.com.my
