11 Bangladeshis detained in Malaysia

Eleven undocumented Bangladeshi migrant workers were detained in Malaysia during drives on Tuesday and Wednesday, Malaysian English-language daily The Star reported yesterday.

They were among 28 foreigners, including five women, detained by Malaysian immigration officials in the state of Negri for flouting several regulations and entering the country illegally, the report said, quoting the state's Immigration Director Kennith Tan Ai Kiang.

Of the 28 detainees, five each are from Indonesia and Myanmar and one each from India and Pakistan, says The Star report, published in its online version.

"The females were all Myanmar nationals," Tan said, adding that those detained were later taken to the immigration depot in Lenggeng.

Immigration officials conducted inspections at 12 premises, including residential areas, shop lots, mini markets, and houses that were undergoing renovations in three areas.

Tan said that, apart from conducting its own surveillance, the operations were carried out based on public feedback.

In total, officers conducted checks on 122 foreigners.

Tan said the cases were being investigated under Malaysia's Immigration Act for overstaying and entering the country illegally.