SEVENTEEN masterminds behind the entry of illegal immigrants in Sarawak were rounded up from January to April 30 this year.
Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Art Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said they were under detention and investigation.
He said was replying to Jepak assemblyman Datuk Talib Zulkipli on behalf of Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Open on issues of illegal immigrants.
“Most of the illegal immigrants coming into Sarawak are from the Asian region.
“This year, some of them are from Indonesia, the Philippines, Vietnam, Pakistan, India, China, Thailand, Cambodia and Bangladesh,” he said.
Those who enter the country illegally are flouting the Immigration Act 1959/63 and the Passport Act 1966 (Akta 150).
“The ones who let them enter the country or the masterminds, as we call them, will be apprehended for immigration offences under the Immigration Act 1959/63.
“They can be convicted under Section 56(1) for giving protection, Section 55B for employing illegals and Section 55E for protecting illegals.
“Lastly, they can be convicted under Section 26A of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Act 2007 (ATIPSOM 2007) if there are elements of trafficking or smuggling,” he said.
