BINTULU: About 104 Indonesian nationals were detained during a raid at a wood and plywood processing factory in Tatau here early yesterday morning.
The Immigration Department said the detainees – 27 men, 72 women, and five children – failed to produce valid travel documents or work permits.
Led by the Security Monitoring and Enforcement Unit (UPKP), the integrated operations involved collaboration with the enforcement units from Bintulu, Sri Aman, and Sarikei at 2:00 am.
“All detainees were suspected of committing various offences under the Immigration Act 1959/63 and the Immigration Regulations 1963.
“They were later taken to the Bintulu Immigration Office for documentation before being sent to the Immigration Detention Depot for further action,” the department said in a statement.
The department further said a local man, believed to be the factory manager, was also arrested for suspicion of employing foreign workers without proper authorisation.
“The suspect is now in custody for further investigation to identify the network involved and potential breaches of laws related to the illegal employment of foreign workers,” the department said.
The arrests also revealed widespread illegal employment of foreign nationals at the premises, showing the level of non-compliance by employers with existing laws.
“The operation, conducted in an orderly manner without any untoward incidents, demonstrates Sarawak Immigration Department continued commitment to strengthen enforcement and ensuring immigration control remains at an optimal level,” the department added.
“The department will continue to carry out operations regularly to curb the entry of illegal immigrants and safeguard the country’s sovereignty and security.”
