Malaysian immigration authorities detained 186 undocumented foreign nationals, including 118 Bangladeshis, during a large-scale enforcement operation in the Pudu area of Kuala Lumpur early Saturday.

The operation, codenamed Ops Kutip, was conducted by the Kuala Lumpur Immigration Department with the assistance of several agencies, including the Immigration Department headquarters, Selangor Immigration Department, Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL), and the National Registration Department (JPN).

A total of 137 enforcement personnel took part in the operation, which began shortly after midnight targeting a premises suspected of employing and sheltering undocumented migrants.

During the raid, authorities inspected 320 individuals and arrested 186 foreigners for alleged violations of Malaysia’s Immigration Act 1959/63.

The detainees comprised 149 men and 37 women. Among them were 118 Bangladeshi men, 28 Indonesians, 26 Myanmar nationals, five Vietnamese, four Nepalese, two Indians, one Pakistani and two Chinese nationals.

Preliminary investigations found that the detainees were suspected of committing offences under Section 15(1)(c) of the Immigration Act for overstaying and Section 6(1)(c) for failing to possess valid travel or identification documents.

The Immigration Department said nationwide enforcement operations would continue as part of efforts to combat illegal immigration, strengthen compliance with immigration laws and maintain national security.

Authorities also warned employers and premises owners against hiring or providing shelter to undocumented migrants, saying strict legal action would be taken against those found violating immigration regulations.