KUCHING: A total of 102 undocumented migrants (PATI) were arrested by the Sarawak Immigration Department during a series of operations carried out across the state from November 8 to 10.
The operations, codenamed ‘Ops Gegar’ and ‘Ops Sapu’, were conducted by the Enforcement Division of the Kuching Immigration Office as part of ongoing efforts to curb the presence of illegal immigrants in the state.
The three-day operations mainly targeted entertainment premises in Miri and workers’ quarters at a sawmill in Tatau, Bintulu.
A total of 145 individuals, comprising locals and foreigners, were screened during the inspections, which focused on ensuring compliance with immigration laws and detecting offences such as pass violations and misuse of travel documents.
Following the arrests, all detainees will undergo documentation and further investigation under the Immigration Act 1959/63 for subsequent legal action.
Meanwhile, four employers were issued notices to appear at the Immigration office to assist with investigations.
The department reiterated its warning that stern action would be taken against any party found employing or harbouring illegal immigrants, adding that it remained committed to safeguarding national security and sovereignty through continued enforcement operations.
The undocumented migrants arrested during the operations.
