The Johor State Immigration Department (JIM) recently detained four foreign nationals during operations dubbed Ops Kutip and Ops Jaja at a night market in Taman Nusa Perintis, Gelang Patah. The operation, conducted from 6:20 PM to 7:20 PM, resulted in the arrest of two Thai men, one Cambodian man and one Pakistani national.
According to Johor Immigration Director Datuk Mohd Rusdi Mohd Darus, the action was prompted by public complaints regarding the presence of foreign beggars and solicitors at the night market. He reported that these individuals had been soliciting alms for over three months with one of the arrested beggars reportedly missing a leg.
Some had claimed they were raising funds for religious schools or institutions to elicit sympathy from potential donors. This recent enforcement action follows a previous raid conducted by JIM in January at the same night market, highlighting ongoing concerns about illegal activities. Despite earlier efforts, other individuals suspected of similar offenses continue to operate in the area.
The arrested individuals, aged between 22 and 56 are believed to have violated Section 6(1)(c) of the Immigration Act 1959/63 (Act 155) for lacking valid permits or passes to remain in Malaysia. According to the immigration director, the detained individuals were found to be abusing their social visit passes and could earn significant daily incomes—reportedly up to RM400 a day, equating to RM12,000 a month.
This operation underscores the commitment of JIM to address illegal immigration and the exploitation of social welfare systems in the region.
