LUNDU: Thinking he could outsmart authorities, a foreign man hid himself inside a wardrobe when immigration officers stormed a residential quarters at a plantation estate in Kampung Pasir Hilir.
However, his efforts were in vain when officers from Kuching Immigration Enforcement Division uncovered his hiding spot during a thorough search early this morning.
Acting on public tip-offs, the operation, codenamed ‘Ops Sapu’, saw 47 undocumented migrants detained, comprising 39 men and eight women.
Those arrested committed various offences under the Immigration Act 1959/63, including Section 6(1)(c) for not possessing valid passes or permits, and Section 15(1)(c) for overstaying.
The Sarawak Immigration Department said the swift enforcement proves their continuous commitment in curbing illegal immigration in the state, while also extending gratitude to members of the public for cooperating with authorities.
Such cooperation is vital in helping the department to detect and take action against activities that breach immigration laws.
Employers and the public were reminded not to hire or shelter foreigners without valid documents, as doing so constitutes a serious offence under the law.
