BINTULU: A predawn immigration raid exposed a suspected human trafficking network yesterday (Aug 12), leading to the arrest of 17 foreigners — among them a one-month-old baby.
The operation, codenamed ‘Ops Sapu’, was conducted by the Sarawak Immigration Department’s Security and Enforcement Monitoring Unit (UPKP) between 6 am and 3 pm on two rented houses.
When officers stormed the houses, they found 13 Filipinos and four Indonesians — four women, two men and 11 children aged between one month and 12 years old.
“Preliminary investigations found that the group had slipped into Sarawak through unrecognised entry points, allegedly facilitated by local agents who charged between RM2,000 and RM3,000 per person.
“Those detained will face action under Section 6(1)(c) and Section 15(1)(c) of the Immigration Act 1959/63,” the department said.
All adults will be held at Bekenu Immigration Depot, while the children and their guardians will be placed at Baitul Mahabbah Bekenu — a facility designed to provide a safer and more child-friendly environment for minors in custody.
The department assured that enforcement operations will be intensified to curb the presence of undocumented migrants and safeguard the state’s security and sovereignty.
