MIRI: The activities of several individuals operating as ‘mobile traders’ came to an unfortunate end when 10 foreign men were detained on Thursday.
According to a statement from the Sarawak Immigration Department, these men were selling various goods, such as carpets, to residents in the area.
However, their presence sparked complaints from some members of the community.
Following the complaint, the department, together with the Sarawak Security and Enforcement Unit (UKPS), carried out a joint operation called Ops Pintu at several unnumbered rental houses around Pujut, Lutong and Bekenu here.
“As a result of the operation, 30 individuals were checked by the team.
“Of these, 10 men were detained for not having valid travel documents.
“They included nine Pakistani nationals and one Indonesian national,” the statement said.
The department added that all were suspected of breaching Section 6(1)(c) of the Immigration Act 1959/63, which requires them to produce proof of valid travel documents upon inspection.
“All those detained were taken to the Bekenu Immigration Detention Depot in Miri for further investigation and care,” it said.
The department remains committed in their ongoing efforts to address the issue of illegal immigration (PATI).
These actions were undertaken with the goal of protecting the country’s security and sovereignty, while also ensuring the safety, peace and harmony of all communities.
