21-12-2023 (KUALA LUMPUR) Local traders along Jalan Silang in Kuala Lumpur are expressing fear and frustration over the presence of a large number of undocumented migrants, primarily from Bangladesh and Nepal, whom they blame for disturbances and property damage.
Alona Passio, 42, a stall owner in the area, highlighted the challenges faced by businesses, attributing them to the unruly behavior of some foreign individuals, particularly when they are intoxicated. Passio revealed that her stall had suffered damage during one of the altercations among the migrants.
“In fact, there are those who even act like they are citizens… I feel uncomfortable doing business here,” she remarked during a visit to Jalan Silang on Thursday (Dec 21) following a comprehensive operation aimed at screening and addressing the issue of undocumented migrants.
Passio also pointed out that most establishments in the area were monopolized by migrants who rented them from property owners. The recent operation, involving a significant police presence, marked the most substantial effort against illegal migrants since she started her business 11 years ago.
“All of us were shocked to see so many policemen. It is definitely a good move by the authorities,” she added.
A worker, preferring to remain anonymous, shared his shock at the heavy police presence around 11 am during the operation. He noted that some of his coworkers were detained for lacking proper documentation.
“Such an operation should have been conducted (earlier) to address the influx of foreigners here and surrounding areas,” he expressed.
On Thursday, approximately 1,000 law enforcement personnel, including members of the General Operations Force, conducted a sudden raid on four blocks of shophouses in the Jalan Silang area. By 1 pm, around 500 foreigners had been detained for various offences, including a lack of identification and travel documents. The operation aimed to address the concerns raised by local traders and restore order in the area affected by the undocumented migrant population.
Just another day at the office in downtown KL..
Forwarded from my colleagues who are at the office today. pic.twitter.com/hs1uUmtSQS
— Suhaila (@suhailayunuss) December 21, 2023
