347 Employers Fined Nearly RM6 Million as Malaysia Intensifies Crackdown on Illegal Workers
KUALA LUMPUR, April 8 — A total of 347 employers have been fined nearly RM6 million in the first two months of the year for hiring and sheltering undocumented migrants, as part of intensified enforcement by the Jabatan Imigresen Malaysia.
Director-General Zakaria Shaaban said the RM5.98 million in penalties reflects the government’s firm stance against illegal employment practices.
He emphasised that enforcement efforts are increasingly focused on employers, who play a key role in creating demand for undocumented labour.
“As long as employers are not held accountable, opportunities for illegal employment will continue to attract undocumented migrants into the country,” he said.
He added that compliance with immigration laws must be taken seriously, warning that strict action will be taken against those who violate regulations.
Last year alone, 1,939 employers were fined a total of over RM36 million, highlighting a significant escalation in enforcement efforts.
In a related development, a joint operation conducted in Balakong and Shah Alam involved collaboration between the Jabatan Kastam Diraja Malaysia (Customs) and the Jabatan Alam Sekitar.
During the operation, 162 foreign nationals were inspected, with 133 individuals detained for various immigration offences.
The offences included lack of valid travel documents, overstaying and misuse of visit passes.
Among those detained were 131 men and two women aged between 20 and 45, representing multiple nationalities including Bangladesh, Indonesia, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, India, China and Vietnam.
Authorities also seized untaxed goods such as alcohol and cigarettes believed to belong to those detained.
All individuals are currently being investigated under several laws, including the Immigration Act 1959/63, Passport Act 1966 and anti-trafficking and anti-smuggling legislation.
The enforcement drive underscores Malaysia’s ongoing efforts to curb illegal employment practices and strengthen the integrity of its immigration system.
-wilayah.com.my
