Malaysia Detained Over 90,000 Illegal Immigrants in 2025

In 2025, Malaysia’s Immigration Department intensified its crackdown on illegal immigration, detaining over 90,000 individuals across the country. This significant action was confirmed in the department's annual report, published on January 1, 2026.

The report highlights that strict surveillance and regular raids by law enforcement agencies were key to achieving this record number of arrests. Alongside the operations, the department also implemented major administrative reforms and modernized immigration systems, marking one of the year’s notable successes.

In addition to the arrests, the Immigration Department collected over 5.1 billion ringgit in government revenue and successfully processed 19,205 entry permit applications. These achievements have contributed to a strengthened international reputation for Malaysia, with its passport now ranked as the third most powerful in the world according to the latest “Passport Index.”

The department reiterated its commitment to ensuring an efficient, modern, and transparent immigration management system. The report also emphasized that the strict stance would continue to maintain public trust and address future challenges.