MIRI – A total of 27 foreign workers were arrested during a joint operation carried out by the Sarawak Immigration Department on 24 September.
The operation, named Ops Mahir and Ops Sapu, was conducted with the cooperation of the Immigration Enforcement Unit from Sibu and Miri. The raids focused on construction sites, dockyards, and workers’ housing areas around Miri city.
According to the Sarawak Immigration Department, those arrested included 26 men and one woman. All of them were suspected foreign nationals who failed to show valid travel documents or work permits when checked by officers.
“Among the common offences detected were staying in Malaysia without valid permits under Section 6(1)(c), overstaying under Section 15(1)(c) of the Immigration Act 1959/63, and several other offences under the Immigration Regulations,” the department said in a statement.
The department stressed that strict enforcement will continue from time to time to make sure immigration laws in Sarawak are followed. Employers were also reminded not to hire undocumented workers, as stern action will be taken against those who break the law.
The statement added that immigration enforcement operations are important to protect public safety, maintain order, and ensure that only workers with valid permits are allowed to work in the state. – JIM Sarawak
