Malaysian immigration authorities have detained 62 foreign nationals during a sweeping enforcement operation across Selangor targeting visa misuse and pass condition violations, signalling a tougher stance on immigration compliance.

The operation, led by the Enforcement Division of the Department of Immigration Malaysia on June 15, deployed 30 officers across six locations, acting on intelligence inputs and public tip-offs.

Officers inspected 17 premises, including furniture factories, timber processing plants, restaurants, grocery stores and hawker areas known for high concentrations of foreign workers.

A total of 210 individuals, both locals and foreigners, were screened, with 62 foreign nationals subsequently detained on suspicion of violating provisions of the Immigration Act and Immigration Regulations.

Preliminary investigations revealed that several of those detained had engaged in employment and other activities outside the scope of their entry permits, a serious breach of pass conditions punishable under existing law.

In a parallel move, authorities issued 11 witness summonses to employers linked to the detained workers as part of investigations into foreign worker recruitment practices and regulatory compliance.

All detainees have been transferred to the Putrajaya Immigration Depot for document verification, further investigation and legal proceedings.

Director-General of Immigration Zakaria Shaban said enforcement operations would be intensified nationwide to combat visa abuse, misuse of immigration facilities and related offences.

The department also urged employers to strictly adhere to laws and regulations governing the hiring of foreign workers, warning of firm action against anyone found harbouring, employing or otherwise assisting undocumented foreigners.

Members of the public with information on illegal immigration or immigration law violations were urged to report the matter to the relevant authorities.