Malaysian immigration authorities arrested 165 Bangladeshi nationals during a large-scale raid in Kuala Lumpur's Medan Imbi area on Thursday night, as part of an ongoing crackdown on undocumented migrants.

The raid, conducted by 185 officers, targeted six residential blocks and resulted in the arrest of 506 individuals for suspected violations under the Immigration Act 1959/63, according to the New Straits Times.

Among those detained were 448 men, including 124 Nepalis and 165 Bangladeshis, along with 58 women — mainly Indonesians and Nepalis. Many were found without valid documents, overstaying visas, or using unrecognized ID cards.

The operation, which began at 7:30pm, saw chaos as some migrants fled barefoot, abandoning their belongings. Two men sustained injuries while trying to escape and were treated on the spot. A pregnant Indian woman also received medical attention after falling ill.

All detainees were sent to the Bukit Jalil Immigration Depot for further investigation. Authorities vowed to continue surprise raids to enforce immigration laws, noting over 22,000 arrests so far this year.

BDST: 1522 HRS, April 18, 2025
MN