PUTRAJAYA, Oct 3 — A total of 37,313 illegal immigrants were arrested in 10,374 enforcement operations conducted nationwide from Jan 1 to Sept 29 this year, said Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.
He said 137,603 individuals were inspected in various raids and field operations conducted by the Home Ministry (KDN) together with the Immigration Department (JIM) during this period.
“Alhamdulillah, KDN and JIM’s efforts to address the issue of illegal immigrants continue to be carried out every day.
“This issue is a longstanding legacy problem that has plagued the country as a result of laxity and leakages in the previous administrative system,” he said in a post on his Facebook page today.
Saifuddin Nasution said 1,809 employers were also arrested for offences related to the employment and protection of illegal immigrants, of whom 1,692 were Malaysian citizens.
“Enforcement cannot focus solely on illegal immigrants, but must also target those who employ, protect and take advantage of their presence,” he said.
He said 346 employers were arrested in 2023, 1,859 in 2024 and 2,202 in 2025.
Saifuddin Nasution also said foreigners who come to work or visit the country must comply with lawful procedures, including not committing immigration offences such as trespassing, document forgery or overstaying.
He also warned Malaysian employers against hiring or protecting illegal immigrants for easy profits, as such actions also contribute to the country’s security issues.
“Never protect illegal immigrants. Together, let us help KDN and JIM resolve this crisis for the future of our children and grandchildren,” he said.
Saifuddin Nasution said the issue of illegal immigrants was not merely a problem for JIM, but also affected the country’s economy, security and social order.
“I want KDN and JIM, under the MADANI Government administration, to continue taking an offensive approach through relentless daily operations nationwide,” he said.
