KUCHING: The Sarawak Immigration Department has arrested over 3,000 undocumented foreigners and convicted 74 employers for various immigration offences so far this year.
Its director Abdul Halim Abang Naili said that from January to August, the department conducted 1,102 enforcement operations across the state.
“During these operations, the department has examined 11,523 individuals of various foreign nationalities for their documentation.
“Of the figure, a total of 3,558 undocumented foreigners were taken into custody and 74 employers were prosecuted for various offences under the Immigration Act 1959/63 and the Immigration Regulations 1963.
“We will continue to intensify intelligence efforts and operations in identified hotspots for foreigners, and we will not tolerate any violations of immigration laws,” he said in a statement.
Abdul Halim pointed out that the department is highly responsive to complaints and information from the public concerning undocumented migrants in Sarawak.
Most operations are follow-ups to complaints received through various channels, such as the Public Complaint Management System (SISPAA) or reports made in person at immigration or enforcement offices throughout Sarawak.
He urged the public to visit the SISPAA website at https://imi.spab.gov.my or to go to the nearest enforcement office to report the presence of undocumented foreigners in their areas.