BINTULU – The Sarawak State Immigration Department (JIM) through its Security Monitoring and Enforcement Unit (UPKP) has once again strengthened its enforcement efforts with the implementation of Ops Pintu/Gegar in Bintulu town.
The large-scale operation, which began at 12.00 midnight on Thursday, targeted several locations around the town centre believed to be areas of high-risk immigration offences.
According to a statement released by JIM Sarawak, a total of 52 individuals were inspected during the operation. Out of that number, 26 people were arrested for various violations under the Immigration Act 1959/63.
The offences included overstaying in Malaysia under Section 15(1)(c) as well as failure to present valid travel documents under Section 6(1)(c). Those detained comprised 23 Indonesian citizens, one Filipino citizen, and two Indian citizens.
In addition to the arrests, immigration officers also issued a Notice to Employer to an individual suspected of hiring and placing foreign workers without proper documentation. The notice was issued to facilitate further investigation into the employer’s role and to determine whether breaches of labour and immigration laws had occurred.
The Sarawak Immigration Department reiterated that it remains committed to strict enforcement of immigration laws. The department emphasised that such operations are crucial in safeguarding national security, preserving public order, and protecting Malaysia’s sovereignty from illegal entry and undocumented foreign workers.
The department also urged employers to be responsible in ensuring that foreign workers under their employment possess valid travel documents and work permits. Strict action will continue to be taken against any party found harbouring or employing undocumented migrants.
JIM Sarawak assured the public that regular enforcement operations will continue in different districts across the state to curb immigration offences. — Jabatan Imigresen Malaysia Sarawak
