KUCHING: What began as a routine inspection escalated into a dramatic sweep after enforcement officers uncovered 80 illegal immigrants hiding from authorities during Ops Mahir at two construction sites around Kuching yesterday.
The Immigration Enforcement Division Kuching carried out checks on 171 individuals at the sites, discovering that nearly half were living or working in the state without valid travel or work permits, suspected of overstaying or entering the country illegally in breach of the Immigration Act 1959/63.
Some of the detainees were found attempting to conceal themselves from the raid, prompting a more intensive search of the areas.
Three employers have been summoned to the Kuching Immigration Office to assist with investigations into alleged hiring and harbouring of undocumented workers.
The Sarawak Immigration Department warned that there will be no leniency for those who violate immigration laws and urged the public to report information on illegal immigrants through official channels to protect the state’s security and social harmony.
