KUCHING: The continuous and relentless efforts to detect and arrest undocumented foreigners in Sarawak have resulted in the arrest of 66 individuals yesterday (May 7).
The Sarawak Immigration Department said various operations have been conducted around Kuching and Bintulu.
In Kuching, the district’s Immigration Enforcement Unit raided several premises around Petra Jaya and Metrocity such as car wash and reflexology centres, and eateries.
A total of 23 individuals were inspected and of these 13 were taken into custody.
Meanwhile in Bintulu, the district’s Immigration Enforcement Unit conducted ‘Op Sapu’ at a palm oil plantation in Sebauh and a logging camp’s shared residence in Tatau.
Sixty-six individuals were inspected; out of this figure, 53 were arrested — 10 in Sebauh and 43 in Tatau.
All the foreign detainees, comprising 48 men, 17 women and a child, committed various offences such as overstaying and lacking valid permits to stay in Malaysia.
The cases are being investigated under Section 6(1)(c) and Section 15(1)(c) of the Immigration Act 1959/63.
The Sarawak Immigration Department will double its efforts to track down foreigners found to be violating immigration laws, especially at identified hotspots.
Employers and foreigners are advised to apply for the appropriate work permits in accordance with Malaysian law provisions.
The public is encouraged to report the presence of undocumented migrants in their areas through online channels or directly to the nearest Immigration Enforcement Office.
Reports can be submitted via email to aduanpati_hq@imi.gov.my, through the website at https://imi.spab.gov.my or the hotline at 03-88801347.
