Residents Report Disturbances at Old Klang Road Prompting Immigration Action
Petaling Jaya authorities responded to multiple complaints from residents regarding disturbances caused by groups allegedly comprising illegal immigrants along Old Klang Road, Selangor. Following concerns over public safety and community order, the Malaysian Immigration Department initiated an enforcement operation targeting suspected illegal squatter activities in the area. Reports indicate that the action was carried out amid ongoing issues involving unauthorised gatherings believed to affect the locality near Petaling Jaya, a key urban centre within the Klang Valley region known for its diverse population and commercial hubs.
Detailed Enforcement Operation Uncovers Extent of Illegal Residency
The enforcement operation commenced at around 9:40pm on the evening of the 15th after a two-week investigation period by immigration officers. During the raid, a total of 131 individuals were inspected at various premises along Old Klang Road, comprising 82 foreign men, 34 foreign women, and 15 Malaysian citizens. Subsequently, 90 foreign nationals suspected of illegal residence were detained, with ages ranging from 21 to 35 years old. The detainees originated from multiple countries across Africa, including Nigeria, Yemen, Syria, Somalia, Guinea-Bissau, Sierra Leone, Liberia and Mali, as well as 16 Asian countries, such as Indonesia, Myanmar, Bangladesh, Vietnam, Thailand, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and India.
Official Statements Confirm Investigation Parameters and Charges
Datuk Zakaria, Director-General of the Malaysian Immigration Department, stated that the detainees were primarily involved in immigration offences including overstaying and possession of invalid travel documents. He elaborated that some individuals sought to conceal their illegal status by using expired passes while openly operating hawker stalls and businesses around eateries and parking spaces. These activities often continued late into the night, disrupting community peace and raising safety concerns. Additionally, the owner of a local restaurant near the raid site received a summons for allegedly being complicit or facilitating these illegal activities and was instructed to report to the Department for further investigation.
All detained individuals are being processed under Section 51(5)(b) of the Immigration Act 1959/63 and have been transferred to the Immigration Depot at Kuala Lumpur International Airport pending further legal proceedings. The immigration authorities reaffirmed their commitment to strict enforcement against illegal residence, overstaying, and the misuse of travel passes, warning that stern action will be taken against any individual or organisation found harbouring or employing undocumented immigrants.
Public Reactions and Conversations Highlight Societal Impact
The incident has generated discussion across social and traditional media platforms, with various stakeholders emphasizing the complexities surrounding illegal immigration and community safety in urban areas such as Petaling Jaya and greater Selangor. Observers have noted that while enforcement operations are necessary to maintain law and order, there remain broader socio-economic factors that contribute to such occurrences, including employment opportunities and cross-border migration patterns within Southeast Asia and Africa. Industry experts and regional authorities underscore the importance of collaborative approaches involving immigration enforcement, labour regulations, and community engagement to address these challenges comprehensively.
Operation’s Immediate and Future Effects on Local Community and Enforcement
In the short term, the enforcement raid has led to increased scrutiny of businesses operating along Old Klang Road and surrounding locations, temporarily affecting traffic flow and local commerce during the operation. Law enforcement presence has intensified to ensure compliance and avoid recurrence of similar activities. From a longer-term perspective, the authorities are likely to rely on enhanced intelligence gathering and inter-agency cooperation within the Klang Valley area, which includes neighbouring suburbs such as Seri Kembangan and Batu Caves, to support ongoing immigration control and public safety measures. These trends align with national objectives to uphold immigration laws and urban safety standards amid Malaysia’s complex demographic landscape.
Location: Petaling Jaya
Date: 16 December 2025