DHAKA: The authorities in Malaysia have detained 2,500 migrants in a campaign to deport some half a million illegal immigrants.

Tens of thousands of police, soldiers and local enforcement personnel are taking part in Malaysia’s largest round-up of foreign workers.

Many of the workers come from Indonesia, Bangladesh and Myanmar, reports the BBC.

Human rights groups have expressed concern about possible abuse of the detainees.

Squads of Malaysian enforcement officers descended on construction sites, plantations and ramshackle settlements as the campaign got underway on Sunday.

In one raid on a palm oil plantation, workers scattered into the forest, but officials said they would not be able to hide for long.

They say the campaign will run until the end of the year.

Millions of migrants from neighbouring Indonesia and the Philippines flocked to Malaysia to work during the country’s construction and palm oil boom.

Many others come from further afield, particularly Bangladesh, Nepal and Myanmar.

Falling growth, a surplus labour force and fear of crime have fuelled a backlash against the foreigners.

BDST: 1930 HRS, SEPT 02, 2013
RoR/Jck