December 29, 2023
KUALA LUMPUR – The swoop on “Mini Dhaka” in Jalan Silang here last week will not be the last.
Instead, Bukit Aman will step up its operations on hotspots for undocumented foreigners (Pati) nationwide, says Datuk Seri Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay.
Deputy Inspector-General of Police said the operations would also focus on locations where crimes involving foreigners are high.
“We will continue with such operations in hotspots where these foreigners are found. It has been a major grouse among the public and we will take action,” he told The Star yesterday.
“We will sweep in without warning, similar to the large-scale operation at Jalan Silang.
“The operations will also focus on how some syndicates traffic foreigners into the country,” he said, elaborating that Bukit Aman’s Internal Security and Public Order Department would spearhead the joint operations with other agencies.
“We will go after the mastermind behind the smuggling ring as well,” he added.
Ayob Khan said various hotspots and locations nationwide have been identified.
Besides the Pati issue, the Deputy IGP said the crime rate involving foreigners was also alarming.
“At Jalan Silang, for example, they smuggled in their brand of medicines, which are not approved by the Health Ministry.
“We feel it is just the tip of the iceberg,” he said.
“We have also received reports of foreigners illegally running businesses and even forcing locals out.”
On the Mini Dhaka raid on Dec 21, Ayob Khan said it was very successful, with 1,101 illegals detained.
The operation involved 1,138 officers and personnel, largely from the Internal Security and Public Order Department’s General Operations Force (GOF) and Federal Reserve Unit (FRU).
Agencies like the Immigration and Customs departments were also involved.
A total of RM104,530 of contraband, including 100 cartons of cigarettes, 80 cartons of alcoholic beverages and illegal medicines were seized.
However, there was a black mark when three officers were detained for allegedly stealing cash from a shoplot during the raid.
Ayob Khan said they would not compromise in taking action against any officer or personnel involved in wrongdoing, but stressed that this would not dampen the police’s spirit.
“The actions of the few will not overshadow the good work done by the majority of police personnel.
“We will push through with more operations,” he said, adding that he was serious when he said he would not compromise on any wrongdoing.
“When I was Narcotics Crime Investigation Department (NCID) director, I took action against five department officers – a superintendent, a DSP, ASP and two Inspectors – under the Special Preventive Measures (LLPK) in August 2022,” said Ayob Khan.
“Three of them were fired, one was demoted and the other faced disciplinary action.
“Even when I was Johor police chief, 14 police personnel and officers, five military personnel and four Immigration personnel were arrested for organised crime during Ops Benteng in September 2020.
“I have zero tolerance for corruption and those in cahoots with syndicates,” he said.