Malaysian authorities have nabbed 130 Indonesians for illegal residency, unveiling a troubling narrative of exploitation.
total of 130 Indonesian citizens were arrested on suspicion of residing without permits in an illegal settlement in Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia, following a crackdown by the Malaysian Immigration Department on Sunday.
The illegal settlement is located within an oil palm plantation area.
Of those apprehended, 76 were men, 41 were women and 13 were children, including a 9-month-old baby.
In addition to the 130 Indonesian migrants, there were also two Bangladeshi men who were apprehended by Malaysian authorities.
Migrant rights activists estimate that millions of Indonesian workers still struggle to obtain work permits because of the high fees charged by brokers.
Deputy Director General of Malaysian Immigration Jafri Embok Taha said that based on intelligence and public reports, the settlement had been standing for four years and is equipped with electricity.
"These foreigners are believed to be renting the area from the locals, who also supply electricity,” he said as quoted by Malaysian news agency Bernama.
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