KUALA LUMPUR – Employers' preference for foreign workers who are willing to work overtime and are less selective about jobs has contributed to the continued employment of migrant workers in the capital, according to the Kuala Lumpur Immigration Department.

Its director, Hamsha Injau, said the trend was observed during an integrated enforcement operation conducted at 12 business premises across Kuala Lumpur on July 13, as reported by The Star. 

“Many employers choose foreign workers because they are willing to work overtime and are not selective about the jobs they do,” he told reporters after the operation.

The operation, which began at 10.15am, targeted premises suspected of employing or being operated by foreign nationals, including barber shops, vehicle workshops, eateries, car wash centres and grocery stores.

It involved 33 Immigration officers and 11 enforcement personnel from Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL).

A total of 39 individuals were inspected, with 18 foreign nationals aged between 25 and 32 detained for suspected immigration offences.

Those detained comprised nationals of Indonesia, Bangladesh, India, Myanmar and Pakistan.

Among the offences detected were failing to possess valid travel or identification documents, breaching the conditions of immigration passes, overstaying and possessing unrecognised identification cards.

All detainees have been placed at the Kuala Lumpur Immigration Depot to assist with investigations.

Hamsha said two Form 29 notices were also issued to two Malaysians to assist in the investigation.

He said enforcement action against employers, business owners and individuals found harbouring or employing undocumented migrants would continue without compromise.

Hamsha also urged undocumented migrants to take advantage of the Migrant Repatriation Programme (PRM) 2.0, which runs until May 31, 2027.