KUCHING: A total of 30 foreigners were detained for allegedly committing immigration offences during enforcement operations conducted by the Malaysian Immigration Department (JIM) Sarawak from July 23 to 24.
The operations, involving ‘Ops Selera’, ‘Ops Kutip’, ‘Ops Belanja’, ‘Ops Gegar’ and ‘Ops Sapu’, saw inspections carried out at 21 locations around Kota Sentosa, Tapah, Siburan, Serian, Kota Samarahan, Batu Kawa, Tabuan Jaya and Pending.
“The operations, conducted from 9 am to 2 am by the Enforcement Division in Kuching, were carried out following public complaints and intelligence to detect and curb violations of immigration laws.
“Throughout the operations, a total of 117 individuals of various nationalities were inspected,” said the department.
It said the 30 foreigners were believed to have committed offences under Section 15(1)(c) and Section 6(1)(c) of the Immigration Act 1959/63 (Act 155) as well as Regulation 11(7)(a) of the Immigration Regulations 1963.
All those detained were taken to the immigration office for further action in accordance with the law.
The operations focused on inspections of food premises, premises suspected of conducting online gambling activities and entertainment centres identified through intelligence information.
JIM Sarawak said the enforcement action reflected its continued commitment to ensuring compliance with immigration laws while curbing the misuse of passes and permits by foreigners.
“We will continue to intensify enforcement operations statewide and would not compromise against individuals or employers who violate immigration laws,” it said.
The public was also urged to channel information regarding the presence of illegal immigrants or any unlawful activities to assist enforcement efforts in safeguarding national security and sovereignty.
