10 fake Bangladeshi doctors arrested in Malaysia

The Immigration Department in Malaysia has arrested 10 fake Bangladeshi doctors during an operation in expatriate-populated areas of Kuala Lumpur.

According to a statement issued by Immigration Director General Datuk Zakaria Shaban on Friday, the operation, which took place on Thursday, January 23, was conducted with the cooperation of the Ministry of Health’s Enforcement Division (Pharmacy). A team from the Putrajaya Immigration Headquarters, including personnel from the intelligence and operations divisions, carried out raids at 10 locations, including Jalan Tun Tan Siew, Leboh, Puduh, and Jalan Silang.

The raid team included Deputy Director-General of Immigration Operations, Jafri Embok Taha; Director of the Intelligence and Special Operations Division, Mohammad Anas Mohammad Zarib; Director of the MOH Pharmacy Enforcement Division, Mohammad Zawawi Abdullah; and Deputy Director of the Intelligence and Operations Branch, Mohammad Azaruddin, who were all present during the operation.

Initial investigations revealed that among the arrested individuals, one held a temporary work visit pass for the service sector, six had temporary work visit passes for the construction sector, two had overstayed their visas, and one did not possess any travel documents or valid passes.

The operation led to the seizure of fake medical equipment, medicines, and RM 800 in cash, believed to be proceeds from the sale of medical services and medicines. Additionally, the Health Ministry confiscated 502 types of unregistered medicines, valued at approximately RM 265,192.

Zakaria stated that these unlicensed Bangladeshi doctors were providing medical services exclusively to expatriate patients. The unregistered medicines were brought from Bangladesh and sold to fellow Bangladeshis for between RM 200 and RM 500 each. These illegal services were being provided covertly, often in restaurants or retail stores to avoid detection.

Each patient was charged between RM 50 and RM 200 for medical treatment and medicines. The operation had been ongoing for about a year.

The 10 arrested individuals have been detained at the Putrajaya Immigration Depot for further legal action under the Immigration Act 1959/63 and Immigration Regulations 1963.