LAWAS: Seventeen undocumented migrants were arrested in a late-night immigration raid codenamed ‘Ops Sapu’ on Monday.
The Sarawak Immigration Department said the operation, led by a 16-member enforcement team comprising officers of various ranks, was carried out at four locations in the district.
A total of 20 individuals were inspected for their documentation. Of the figure, 17 were nabbed for committing various offences.
“Thirteen Filipinos and four Indonesians were found without valid travel documents or for overstaying their permits.
“Investigations found that the undocumented migrants had been using a ‘safe house’ hidden in the forest to evade detection by authorities,” the department said.
All detainees were taken to the Mengkalap Immigration, Customs, Quarantine and Security (ICQS) Temporary Detention Lock-up for further actions under the Immigration Act 1959/63.
The department assured that they are committed in curbing the entry and presence of undocumented migrants in the state.
Stern actions will be taken against anyone found violating the Immigration Act 1959/63 and the Immigration Regulations 1963, in line with efforts to safeguard the security, sovereignty, and integrity of the nation’s borders.
