A DAP assemblyperson has lauded the Immigration Department's action to detain foreigners abusing the visitor international stay admission (visa).

Bagan Dalam elected representative Satees Muniandy said the move is to be "commended, not condemned".

"I’m also appealing to other related government agencies such as Companies Commission of Malaysia (CCM), Inland Revenue Board, Domestic Trade Ministry, Customs and other relevant authorities to step up the enforcement activities to stop these illegal foreign traders from openly defying our laws, " Satees told Malaysiakini.

"I hope such enforcement activities will not stop at sales carnivals alone, but also be extended to markets, night markets, shopping complexes and other places that are now acting as safe havens for the illegal foreign traders," he added...