Malaysia’s Immigration Department has detained 111 suspected undocumented migrants, including Bangladeshis, during a large-scale enforcement operation at Jalan Kenanga, a major wholesale garment district in Kuala Lumpur.

The operation, known as “Op Mega,” began Monday morning and involved officers from the Immigration Department, the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living, and the National Registration Department.

Authorities screened 236 people during the raid. Immigration Director-General Zakaria Shaaban said those detained, aged between 20 and 50, are citizens of Bangladesh, Indonesia and Myanmar.

The suspects are believed to have violated immigration laws by overstaying their visas, misusing work permits, breaching student pass conditions, or committing other immigration-related offences.

Officials said several foreign nationals attempted to evade arrest by hiding inside boxes of clothing, beneath piles of garments and among stacks of used goods. Others reportedly claimed to be customers, but authorities said prior intelligence suggested they were working at the premises.

In one case, a Bangladeshi man claimed to be a student but was unable to produce a valid student pass. Officials also said he had difficulty communicating in both Malay and English.

Authorities had to use lock-cutting and electric cutting equipment to gain access to several locked business premises during the operation.

Zakaria said enforcement efforts will target not only undocumented migrants but also employers who hire foreign workers illegally or misuse employment permits. He added that similar nationwide operations will continue to ensure compliance with Malaysia’s immigration laws.

The Immigration Department said those detained remain under investigation and will face legal action in accordance with Malaysian immigration regulations.