48 Bangladeshis were detained in the immigration operation in Kotavaru, Kelantan state of Malaysia. The Immigration Department arrested 56 illegal immigrants, including 48 Bangladeshis, in an enforcement operation around the state's Kota Bharu and Machang towns in a two-day operation on Wednesday and Thursday.

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Deputy Director of State Immigration (Management), Nik Akhtarul Haq Nik Abdul Rahman said in a statement on Thursday that apart from 48 Bangladeshis, 4 Indonesian men and 3 women and a Nepali male national were among those detained.

Nic said the Kelantan GIM Immigration Enforcement Division consisting of 18 officers of various ranks also called Ops Mahir/Sapu in the VOI on intelligence.

The raids were carried out in several locations in Kota Bharu town, including Kampung Kok Pasir, Kampung Tempoak, Kampung Betting Labor Kemumin Kota Bharu, Kampung Merbau Chondong, Pulai Chondong and Machang.

The detained migrants, aged between 23 and 50, are being held at the Tanah Merah Immigration Depot, the state's immigration department said.

Meanwhile, the state urged the public to provide information about any illegal activities of foreigners and illegal immigrants. Apart from this, strict action will be taken without compromise against masterminds and facilitators to protect illegal immigrants, said the Immigration Department.