JOHOR BARU: A Singaporean man who deceived authorities by overstaying in the country for more than 13 years was finally exposed on Sunday.
Director of the Johor immigration department, Baharuddin Tahir, said the man was among five individuals detained during the joint operation codenamed Op Bersama.
The 34-year-old Singaporean man has been staying in Johor Baru since 2011 when he was 21 years old.
Also detained was a Bangladeshi man for violating the conditions of his pass.
The operations centred around Pasir Gudang saw the authorities detained two Indonesian men and one Pakistani man for not having any valid passes or permits to be in Malaysia.
Baharuddin said the operation was conducted by the enforcement division of the immigration department together with the Johor Baru City Council (MBJB) and the Pasir Gudang City Council (MBPG).
He said action was taken following public complaints of encroachment activities and illegal structures built on public reserves without permission and the presence of foreigners on Jalan Wadihana, here.
"The illegal immigrants have committed offences under Section 6(1)(c) of the Immigration Act 1959/63 (Act 155) for not having any valid passes or permits to be in Malaysia, Section 15 (1)(c) of the Immigration Act 1959/63 (Act 155) for overstaying, and Regulation 39(b) of the Immigration Regulations 1963 for violating the set pass conditions," he said in a media statement on Monday.
Baharuddin said a notice to appear at the office was also issued.
He said all detainees were taken to the Setia Tropika immigration depot for investigation and further action.
"We will continue to intensify operations to combat the issue of an influx of illegal immigrants," he said.
