KUCHING — The Sarawak Immigration Department has stepped up enforcement efforts against illegal immigrants with a large-scale operation conducted around Kuching and Bau, resulting in the detention of 55 individuals for various immigration offences.
The operation, carried out by the Kuching Immigration Enforcement Division, took place on Friday and involved a team of 24 officers. It formed part of ongoing enforcement actions aimed at ensuring compliance with Malaysia’s immigration laws and maintaining public order across the state.
According to immigration authorities, several hotspot areas were targeted during the operation. These included Siniawan Central and Pekan Bau, as well as commercial areas around Batu 3, Kuching. Officers also focused on residential locations believed to be housing illegal immigrants, particularly rented rooms and shared accommodation commonly used by foreign workers.
Among the areas inspected were houses in Taman Matang Bersinar and Taman Satria Jaya, which were suspected of being used as rented lodging for undocumented migrants. A workers’ shared house near Bulatan Simpang Tiga, Kuching, was also inspected as part of the coordinated action.
During the raids and inspections, officers conducted document checks and questioned occupants to verify their immigration status. As a result, 55 individuals were arrested for offences under the Immigration Act 1959/63, including entering the country without valid documents, overstaying, and breaching conditions of stay.
All those detained were taken to the Kuching Immigration Office for further investigation and documentation. The authorities said the individuals will be dealt with in accordance with existing laws, which may include detention, fines, prosecution, and deportation to their countries of origin.
The Sarawak Immigration Department stressed that such enforcement operations are not one-off actions but will continue from time to time. The department also reminded employers and property owners to ensure that foreign workers and tenants possess valid travel documents and permits, warning that stern action can be taken against those who harbour or employ illegal immigrants.
Immigration officials added that public cooperation plays an important role in curbing the presence of illegal immigrants. Members of the public are encouraged to provide information to the authorities if they suspect immigration-related offences in their areas.
The department reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding national security, public safety, and social order through consistent and firm enforcement of immigration laws throughout Sarawak.
