Himal Press 
Malaysian authorities arresting illegal immigrants from Selangor area on January 3. Photo Courtesy: Bernama
KATHMANDU: Several Nepalis have been arrested in the latest crackdown on illegal migrant workers by the Malaysian authorities.
The Immigration Department of Malaysia has been conducting raids in Batu Pahat, Mersing Muar and Segamat eastern Malaysia’s Johor Bahru region since January 3.
In the latest crackdown on January 3, Malaysia authorities arrested 53 illegal immigrants from countries like Indonesia, Afghanistan, India, Nepal, the Philippines, Australia, Myanmar, Bangladesh and Pakistan etc were arrested from Selangon, according to Malaysia news portal Bernama.
“So far 12 Nepalis have been arrested by Malaysian authorities,” Bhola Nath Gurgain, the counselor at the Embassy of Nepal in Kuala Lumpur, said. “Three of them were arrested on January 3.” Johor Immigration Department Director Datuk Mohammad Rusdi Darus said the raids were necessary because foreign workers were violating immigration laws and regulations. He also informed that operations against illegal foreign workers are ongoing.
Before making decisions on recruiting new foreign workers, Malaysia has intensified efforts to either legalize or deport illegal foreign workers. Malaysia’s second Labor Recalibration Program (RTK 2.0) will continue until March 31.
Foreigners arrested in the crackdown will be fined a certain amount by Malaysia and banned from entering the country for any work for up to five years.
