Overstaying Tops Offences for Detained Foreigners in KL, Immigration Reports

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 15 — The Kuala Lumpur Immigration Department (JIM) has disclosed that overstaying constituted the most prevalent offence among forei...

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Overstaying Tops Offences for Detained Foreigners in KL, Immigration Reports
KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 15 — The Kuala Lumpur Immigration Department (JIM) has disclosed that overstaying constituted the most prevalent offence among foreigners detained in the federal capital during enforcement operations in the previous year. According to official data, this violation accounted for the majority of court cases initiated against arrested individuals, highlighting a persistent challenge in immigration control. Kuala Lumpur JIM director Wan Mohammed Saupee Wan Yusoff reported that a total of 2,092 prosecutions were recorded against detained foreigners last year. Of these, 1,342 cases involved overstaying offences under Section 15(4) of the Immigration Act 1959/63, representing approximately 64% of all legal actions. This statistic underscores overstaying as the primary legal infraction leading to court proceedings. In addition to overstaying, other common offences that frequently resulted in court action included having no travel documents, with 663 cases recorded, and harbouring illegal immigrants, which accounted for 34 cases. Wan Mohammed Saupee further noted that violations such as breaching pass conditions, holding travel documents belonging to others, and illegal return were also among the offences prosecuted. These figures reflect a broad spectrum of immigration-related violations that authorities are actively addressing through legal channels. During the same period, the Kuala Lumpur JIM conducted 701 enforcement operations, leading to the detention of 4,428 illegal immigrants. The demographic breakdown of those arrested revealed that Indonesians comprised the largest group, with 1,288 individuals detained. They were followed by Bangladeshis (944), Myanmar nationals (878), Pakistanis (431), and Indian nationals (164). Other nationalities arrested included individuals from the Philippines, Cambodia, Nepal, Thailand, China, Vietnam, as well as stateless persons. This data provides insight into the diverse origins of those involved in immigration offences within the city. Wan Mohammed Saupee emphasized that the Kuala Lumpur JIM remains committed to ongoing enforcement and monitoring operations to manage the issue of illegal immigrants effectively. He stated that the department would not compromise with foreigners who violate the country’s laws, ensuring that all offenders face appropriate legal consequences. Furthermore, he warned that locals found protecting illegal immigrants would also be subject to strict legal action, including potential court charges, reinforcing a zero-tolerance stance towards complicity in immigration offences. The prevalence of overstaying as the leading offence suggests potential areas for policy review and enhanced public awareness campaigns regarding visa regulations and compliance. Authorities may consider strategies to improve documentation processes and outreach to foreign communities to mitigate such violations. The continued enforcement efforts aim to maintain order and security in Kuala Lumpur, aligning with national immigration policies designed to regulate foreign presence and uphold legal standards. In conclusion, the Kuala Lumpur Immigration Department’s report for the previous year highlights overstaying as the most common offence among detained foreigners, with significant numbers of prosecutions and arrests across various nationalities. The department’s proactive approach to enforcement and legal action underscores its dedication to controlling illegal immigration and ensuring adherence to Malaysian laws. As operations continue, these efforts are expected to contribute to a more regulated and secure environment in the federal capital.

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