Bukit Aman raids illegal scrap metal factory
KUALA LANGAT - An illegal scrap metal factory in Jalan Teluk Mengkuang, Telok Panglima Garang here, was raided yesterday.
The operation codenamed 'Op Bersepadu Pintas' was conducted by the Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department's (CID) Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants (Atipsom) unit (D3) in collaboration with the National Strategic Office (NSO) to the Council for Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants (MAPO) under the Home Ministry.
During the raid, several foreign workers attempted to flee through the back door of the premises but were successfully apprehended by the police.
An observation by Sinar Harian found that the factory also provided living quarters for the foreign workers although the conditions were dirty, cluttered and had cooking equipment within the sleeping area.
Chief Assistant Director of the Bukit Aman D3 CID Senior Assistant Commissioner Fadil Marsus said the operation also resulted in the rescue of two underaged 17- year old Bangladeshi boys.
He said action was taken in accordance with Section 44(1) of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Act (Atipsom) 2007, as well as the Child Act 1966.
"In addition, a total of 22 foreign workers including women aged between 21 and 48, were detained.
"They consist of eight Bangladeshis, nine Myanmar nationals and five Chinese," he told Sinar Harian today.
He further explained that the raid also led to the arrest of two Chinese men, aged 37 and 58, who were acting as managers and assistant managers of the factory.
He added that the factory is believed to have been operating for about five years without a business license.
"All of the detainees have been taken to the Kuala Langat District Police Headquarters (IPD) for further action under the Immigration Act 1959/63 and the Immigration Regulations 1963," he said.
