JOHOR BARU: The Immigration Department detained 54 foreign workers at three massage and reflexology centres here yesterday for allegedly working without valid permits.
Its director-general, Datuk Zakaria Shaaban, said three local men, believed to be caretakers of the premises, were also arrested during the raids.
He said a total of 115 individuals were inspected, and 54 — aged between 19 and 59 — were arrested for working as masseurs without valid documents.
“Those detained comprised nine foreign men — one from Indonesia, five from Myanmar, two from Bangladesh, and one from China — and 43 foreign women — 32 from Thailand, eight from China, and one each from Myanmar, Vietnam and Laos,” he said in a statement today.
Zakaria said the integrated operation was carried out following tip-offs and intelligence gathering.
He added that, apart from massage and reflexology services, a check on one of the premises also found it offered a sauna room for customers.
The department said the fees charged ranged from RM92 to RM180, depending on the package. The package that included access to the sauna room cost RM300.
All those arrested are believed to have committed offences under the Immigration Act 1959/63 and Immigration Regulations 1963. They have been placed at the Setia Tropika Immigration Depot for investigation.
Zakaria said 15 Immigration Form 29 (Witness Summons) were also issued during the operation.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
