Why were 52 foreigners detained at Melaka construction site?

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Fifty-two Foreigners Detained for Immigration Violations and Accommodation Failures

The Melaka Immigration Department detained 52 foreign nationals at a construction site in Kota Laksamana due to various offences under the Immigration Act 1959/1963, including a lack of valid identification and overstaying their permits. Furthermore, the employer of these workers was found to have failed in providing adequate accommodation as stipulated by regulations under the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act 1988.
Immigration Act Offences

During an operation codenamed Op Sapu, conducted in the early hours of September 1, the Melaka Immigration Department checked a total of 134 foreign individuals believed to be working as construction labourers. Of those checked, 52 were detained for committing multiple infringements of the Immigration Act 1959/1963. The detained group comprised 41 individuals from Bangladesh and 11 from Myanmar, with ages ranging from 25 to 45 years old.
Accommodation Non-Compliance

Beyond immigration status violations, the inspection revealed a significant lapse on the part of the employer concerning worker welfare. It was determined that the employer had not furnished proper accommodation for their foreign workforce. This failure directly contravened the regulatory requirements outlined in the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act 1988 (Act 342), which mandates specific standards for employee housing.
Employer Representative Issued Summons

In response to the identified accommodation deficiencies, a witness summons form was issued to the employer's representative. This action is intended to facilitate a more thorough investigation into the matter of inadequate worker housing. The employer will be required to cooperate with the department as inquiries continue regarding their compliance with relevant legislation.
Health Screenings and Detention

Following their detention, all 52 individuals were transported to the Melaka Tengah District Health Centre. There, they underwent mandatory Covid-19 screening tests. After the health screenings were completed, the detained foreigners were transferred to an immigration detention depot to await further processing and resolution of their cases.

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Why were 52 foreigners detained at Melaka construction site?

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