No free pass for foreigners who break the law, IGP says as arrests since 2024 near 97,000

Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Mohd Khalid Ismail said all are equal before the law, and that police will take firm action, including against foreigners who act in breach of it in Malaysia. — Picture by Firdaus Latif

By Malay Mail

First Published: Saturday, 14 Nov 2026 9:45 AM MYT

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 14 — Police will take firm action against any violation of the law and criminal conduct involving foreigners in Malaysia, Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Mohd Khalid Ismail has said.

He said 96,844 foreign nationals were arrested for various crimes from 2024 to September 2026, based on Criminal Investigation Department (CID) statistics.

“PDRM will take firm action against any form of violation of the law and criminal conduct involving foreigners in Malaysia,” Mohd Khalid said in a statement in Malay today, using the abbreviation for the Royal Malaysia Police.

He said arrests of foreign nationals numbered 33,136 in 2024 and rose to 36,740 the following year, an increase of 3,604 arrests or 10.9 per cent.

A further 26,968 arrests were recorded from January to September 2026, he said.

He said the police would also strengthen synergy with other government agencies through integrated operations, intelligence sharing and more effective enforcement.

“PDRM adheres firmly to the principle of equality before the law, and every individual, regardless of status, position or nationality, is subject to the laws of the country,” he said.

“Any act that violates the law will not be compromised and will be dealt with through firm enforcement action in line with the legislation in force,” he added.

He also urged the public to continue acting as the police’s strategic partners by channelling information on criminal activities to the authorities.

The statement comes days after a police officer’s hand was severed at the wrist by an allegedly unstable foreign man in Desa Aman Puri, Kepong, last Wednesday before the man was shot dead. 

The 26-year-old lance corporal from the Gombak district police headquarters had his right hand reattached at Hospital Kuala Lumpur, and is reported to be able to move several fingers. 

Selangor police chief Datuk Shazeli Kahar said the suspect lived in the apartment but was not a registered tenant, and police are investigating his mental health.

Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail directed police to carry out a thorough investigation, while Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim condemned the attack.

Yesterday, Utusan Malaysia reported that police were directed to act firmly and not compromise on any violation of the law, particularly involving foreigners.

In June, the government vowed to step up enforcement against foreign nationals who abuse business licences and visas, amid growing public complaints.