JOHOR BARU: The state Immigration Department recently detained 18 foreign workers, who had violated their work permits and overstayed, during a raid at a factory manufacturing cotton goods.

The 4.40pm operation on Jan 4 comprised a team of 15 immigration personnel led by department deputy director Khairulanuar Abu Bakar.

A statement from the department said that, out of the 50 who were inspected at the factory in Tampoi, 15 Indonesians and three Bangladeshis, aged 21 to 42, were detained.

One of the Bangladeshis worked as a security guard, while the others worked in another section of the factory.

Several workers tried to evade arrest by hiding behind a staircase and several machines. No untoward incidents were reported.

"The workers consisted of those who were sent by agents, and their permits were still being processed under the 6P amnesty programme.

"The workers admitted to paying their agent a fee of RM2,000 for a working permit," said the statement.

Nine of the Indonesians are being investigated under Section 15(1)(c) of the Immigration Act 1959/63 for overstaying. Another six are being investigated under Section 6(1)(c) of the same act for not having valid permits.

The three others are suspected of other immigration offences.

Those arrested have been sent to the Immigration Detention Depot in Pekan Nanas, Pontian, pending further action.