BINTULU: Immigration officers detained 27 foreigners for overstaying and not possessing valid travel documents in two simultaneous operations here yesterday.
The raids, carried out by the Sarawak Immigration Department’s Security and Enforcement Monitoring Unit (UPKP) under the operations codenamed Ops Sapu and Ops Minyak , followed weeks of intelligence work and involved eight enforcement personnel.
Ops Sapu, which ran from midnight to 5 pam, targeted three rented houses believed to be harbouring illegal immigrants.
Meanwhile, Ops Minyak, conducted between 10 am and 11 am, targeted two business premises — a car wash and a car detailing service — suspected of hiring foreign workers without valid papers.
The department said that from both operations, 19 Indonesians (nine women and 10 men) and eight Bangladeshi men were arrested.
“All were detained on suspicion of committing offences under Section 15(1)(c) of the Immigration Act 1959/63 for overstaying their permitted duration, and Section 6(1)(c) for not possessing valid travel documents.
“They are currently being held at the Bekenu Immigration Depot for further investigation,” it said in a statement.
Two Malaysians — a man from Peninsular Malaysia and a local woman — were also found at the scene during the raids. They were not detained but issued with Witness Summons Notices to assist in the ongoing probe.
The department also reminded employers to be responsible when hiring foreign workers, stressing that every individual employed must hold valid travel documents and an approved work permit.
“Failure to comply these requirements not only contravenes immigration law but may also result in stern action, including heavy fines, imprisonment, and prosecution in court.
“No compromise will be given to employers who knowingly hire undocumented migrants,” the department warned.
The department added that enforcement operations will continue to be intensified to curb the presence of illegal migrants, safeguard security, and uphold the rule of law in the state and the country.
