LAWAS: Twenty-nine foreign nationals, including five women, were detained during an immigration enforcement operation carried out here.
The operation, codenamed Ops Sapu, was conducted at three locations from 1:00 am on July 3 to 5:00 am today by 17 officers from the Immigration Department of Malaysia Sarawak, targeting areas suspected of housing illegal immigrants (PATI).
According to the department, a total of 42 individuals were inspected during the operation, with 29 found to have committed various immigration offences.
“They were detained for offences such as failing to produce valid travel documents and overstaying their permitted passes,” the department said in a statement.
All detainees were brought to the Lawas Immigration Office for further action in accordance with legal procedures.
The department then stressed that the operation reflects its ongoing commitment to enforce immigration laws and curb the influx of PATI, especially in Lawas.
It also reminded employers and premise owners to ensure individuals working or residing on their premises possess valid travel documents and permits.
“Stern action will be taken against any party found to be harbouring or employing PATI,” it warned.
The department added that similar operations will continue to be carried out from time to time as part of its efforts to strengthen national security and uphold the integrity of immigration enforcement in Sarawak.
