Myanmar migrant workers living in Malaysia say they are now living in fear following a strong government crackdown on undocumented foreign workers. Since May 2025, Malaysian authorities have been carrying out surprise immigration raids, targeting workplaces, shopping malls, and even food courts.
Many Myanmar nationals working in Penang, Selangor, Malacca, and Kuala Lumpur say their daily lives have become unsafe and filled with anxiety.
“This month has been terrible,” said one Myanmar worker based in Penang. “We can’t sleep well at night because we’re scared of sudden raids. Even at work, we are nervous all the time.”
According to workers, police officers often patrol factory areas and workplaces, arresting anyone without the correct documents. “We see police cars outside often. Once they stop, we know someone will be taken,” said another worker in Selangor. He added that most foreign workers in the area are from Myanmar, Bangladesh, and Indonesia.
During a raid on June 23 in the Makota area of Malacca, several Myanmar workers were arrested, according to witnesses. Similar inspections have taken place in shopping malls and restaurants, with police officers checking IDs and arresting those without valid permits.
“These raids are not just at factories anymore. They now come to malls, food stalls, and even housing areas,” said another Myanmar worker in Penang.
In one of the largest raids, carried out between the night of May 29 and early morning of May 30 in Selayang, Kuala Lumpur, authorities from seven Malaysian government agencies arrested 1,435 undocumented migrants. Among them were:
- 1,222 Myanmar nationals
- 142 Bangladeshis
- 9 Indians
- 2 Indonesians
- Several Nepalese nationals
A few days later, on June 2, Malaysian officers conducted a similar operation at the BM Shopping Mall in Bukit Mertajam, Penang, leading to more arrests of undocumented workers.
Earlier on May 23, a major raid took place at Mentari Court in Sunway, Selangor, resulting in the arrest of 597 undocumented foreign workers, including:
- 226 Myanmar nationals
- 201 Indonesians
- 71 Bangladeshis
- 46 Pakistanis
- 44 Nepalese
- 8 Indians
- 1 Thai national
These widespread operations show Malaysia’s intensified efforts to control undocumented migration. Officials say the goal is to maintain law and order, but for many migrants — especially from Myanmar — these raids have created a climate of fear.
Many of those arrested face uncertain futures, especially those who came to Malaysia hoping for work and safety after fleeing economic or political hardship. Human rights groups have raised concerns that this crackdown could harm vulnerable people who lack legal support or access to proper documentation.
As the raids continue, thousands of migrant workers remain at risk of arrest, detention, or deportation — with Myanmar nationals making up a large part of those affected.