SIBU: Thirteen children were among 81 undocumented migrants arrested during a large-scale enforcement operation carried out over the weekend under ‘raids’.
Conducted from May 9 to 10 by the Sibu Immigration Enforcement Division, 19 officers including members of the Special Action Team (PTK) conducted raids across several premises and locations in Sibu and Selangau.
The operation was launched following public complaints and intelligence gathered on locations suspected of being used as settlements and transit points for foreigners.
Enforcement teams conducted inspections at nine locations and screened a total of 114 individuals.
It led to the detention of 81 foreigners — comprising 50 men, 18 women, five boys and eight girls — for suspected offences under Section 6(1)(c), Section 15(1)(c) and Section 55(E) of the Immigration Act 1959/63.
The detainees, consisting of 80 Indonesians and one Filipino, allegedly failed to produce valid travel documents and work permits during checks.
All of them were taken to the Sibu Immigration Enforcement Division office for further actions.
The Sarawak Immigration Department also took action against a local employer suspected of harbouring or employing undocumented foreigners.
The department said enforcement efforts would continue to be intensified to curb immigration offences and ensure only foreigners who comply with the law are allowed to stay and work in the state.
