Jakarta, IO – A total of 130 Indonesian citizens were arrested for illegal staying in Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia. According to a release by Selangor’s immigration department, the authorities carried out a raid on Sunday (18/02) and detained 132 foreign immigrants without permits, including 41 women and 13 children. Of the 132 people arrested, 130 were Indonesian citizens and two were Bangladeshis, per Kompas, Tue (20/2).
Migrant Care Indonesia executive director Wahyu Susilo explained that the majority of migrant workers who are recruited by palm oil plantation companies without going through official channels.
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lalu Muhammad Iqbal said on Monday (19/2), that the Indonesian Embassy had not received consular notification regarding the arrest.
“As soon as the consular notification is received, the Indonesian Embassy will provide consular assistance, including efforts to accelerate the repatriation of Indonesian citizens, especially the vulnerable,” said Iqbal in a written statement.
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Malaysian Immigration deputy director general Jafri Embok Taha said that based on intelligence report and complaints from the local community, the kampong (informal settlement) has existed for four years and even has electricity supply.
“In this illegal settlement there are also grocery stores, food stalls and surau [small mosque]. Most of these foreigners work as janitors, waiters and construction workers in the surrounding area,” he said. (rr)