Kelantan immigration arrests three Rohingya men for using fake UNHCR cards in Kota Bharu, with biometric checks revealing discrepancies.
KOTA BHARU: The Kelantan Immigration Department arrested three Rohingya men for allegedly using fake United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) cards during Op Mega Bersepadu around Kota Bharu city today.
Kelantan Immigration Department director Garry Belayong Anak John Siki said the three fake UNHCR cards were seized after checks found discrepancies between biometric data and the holders’ physical appearance.
He said scans of the QR codes on the cards showed that the information, including photographs and personal details, did not match the individuals carrying them.
“They claimed the cards were obtained from friends to secure employment. However, we will conduct further investigations to identify the source of the cards.
“If the cards are confirmed to be fake, the case will be referred to the relevant authorities for further action,” he told reporters after the operation here today.
The operation began at 9 am and targeted 11 locations frequented by foreign nationals around the city. It was carried out with the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) and the Kota Bharu Municipal Council – Islamic City (MPKB-BRI).
Garry said 362 foreign nationals from Myanmar, Nepal, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Indonesia and Thailand were checked during the operation.
Of the total, 20 foreign men aged from 30 to 60 were detained for various offences under the Immigration Act 1959/63 and Immigration Regulations 1963.
“All of them will be remanded to assist in investigations before the investigation papers are submitted to the Deputy Public Prosecutor for further action,” he said.
He added that most Rohingya nationals checked had valid UNHCR cards, while other foreign nationals held valid work permits in the state.
