KUCHING, Nov 10:
The Sarawak Immigration Department has intensified its enforcement operations against illegal immigrants (PATI) through Ops Gegar and Ops Sapu, which were conducted from 8 to 10 November 2025. The operations, led by the Kuching Immigration Enforcement Division, reflect the department’s firm commitment to safeguarding the nation’s security and upholding immigration laws.
During the three-day operation, enforcement teams focused on several hotspots, including entertainment centres around Miri City and workers’ quarters at sawmills in Pekan Tatau, Bintulu. These areas were identified based on intelligence and past monitoring of suspected illegal activities involving foreign nationals.
A total of 145 individuals, comprising both locals and foreigners, were screened by officers from the Malaysian Immigration Department. The checks were carried out to detect any misuse of travel documents, overstaying, and pass violations under the Immigration Act 1959/63.
Following the inspections, 102 individuals were arrested for various immigration offences, primarily for staying in Malaysia without valid documents or overstaying their passes. All detainees have been sent for documentation and further investigation before legal proceedings are initiated.
Meanwhile, four employers have been issued notices to appear at the Immigration Office to assist in investigations. They are suspected of employing or harbouring undocumented foreign workers — a serious offence under Malaysian immigration law.
The Sarawak Immigration Department reiterated its firm stance that no individual or company will be spared if found guilty of violating immigration regulations. The department also reminded employers to always verify the legitimacy of their workers’ documents and ensure compliance with all legal employment requirements.
The department assured that such enforcement operations will continue regularly to maintain law and order, protect local job opportunities, and preserve the state’s peace and sovereignty.
