Police nab 39 illegal immigrants in massive swoop at Cameron Highlands

In a major swoop, Pahang police detained 39 illegal immigrants in the Cameron Highlands during an operation last night.

Nine of them were picked up at road-blocks and the rest in the jungle during the blitz which was targeted at immigrants working illegally in the highlands.

The suspects comprised Bangladeshis, Indians, Myanmars, Indonesians and Nepalese.

Cameron Highlands police chief DSP Wan Mohd Zahari Wan Busu said the operation was carried out throughout Cameron Highlands, including isolated areas and the jungle.

"The operation was mounted by the police general operations force and armed forces personnel to flush out illegal immigrants involved in the opening of land at the highlands, especially at night.

"Similar operations will be carried out indefinitely," he said when contacted by Bernama here today.

Yesterday, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak directed the police and the armed forces to mobilise more personnel at the Cameron Highlands to stop the illegal opening of land tracts.

According to Najib, the measures were taken following a discussion with the Sultan of Pahang, Sultan Ahmad Shah based on reports that such activities by illegal immigrants were rife at night.

On Nov 5, flood and landslide at Kampung Raja, Ringlet and Lembah Bertam in the Cameron Highlands, left five people dead and forced more than 90 from 28 families to seek shelter at the Ringlet community hall. - Nur Natasha Aida Ismail