TAWAU — The Malaysian Immigration Department (JIM) Sabah has stepped up its enforcement efforts in Tawau, reaffirming its firm stand against the presence of illegal immigrants in the district. The latest operation, carried out following public complaints and intelligence gathering, resulted in the arrest of 60 individuals suspected of violating immigration laws.
The enforcement actions were conducted over the course of about one week at several locations around Tawau. According to Sabah Immigration authorities, these operations were carefully planned based on information received from the public and internal intelligence, reflecting ongoing cooperation between enforcement agencies and the local community.
On 8 January 2026, a focused operation was carried out by 19 officers from the Tawau Enforcement Division of the Sabah Immigration Department. During the operation, officers inspected a total of 192 individuals at selected premises and public areas. From these checks, 60 foreign nationals were detained for suspected immigration offences. Those arrested comprised citizens from the Philippines and Indonesia.
Initial investigations revealed that all individuals detained failed to produce valid travel documents or valid passes to remain in Malaysia. As a result, they are being investigated under Section 6(1)(c) of the Immigration Act 1959/63, which covers the offence of entering or staying in the country without proper documentation. The detainees have been taken to the relevant Immigration facilities for further investigation and follow-up action in accordance with existing laws and procedures.
The Sabah Immigration Department stressed that enforcement operations will continue to be carried out consistently to safeguard national security and public order. Authorities also issued a strong warning that strict action will be taken against any individual or party found to be harbouring, protecting, or employing illegal immigrants. Such actions, the department said, undermine the rule of law and pose risks to safety and social stability.
At the same time, the department called on members of the public to continue cooperating by providing information on the presence of illegal foreigners in their neighbourhoods. Immigration officials emphasised that community support plays a vital role in ensuring enforcement efforts are effective and targeted.
In conclusion, the latest crackdown in Tawau reflects the Sabah Immigration Department’s continued commitment to upholding immigration laws without compromise. With regular enforcement, firm legal action, and public cooperation, the authorities aim to address illegal immigration in a decisive and orderly manner, while maintaining security and confidence among local communities.
