KUCHING, 21 January 2026 – The Kuching Immigration Enforcement Division intensified its operations against foreigners who breached the Immigration Act 1959/63, resulting in the detention of 52 individuals during raids conducted from 20 to 21 January.
In a coordinated effort, 31 immigration officers carried out inspections at 16 different premises across Kuching. The operation focused on areas known for high foreign worker activity and included both commercial and construction sites.
Among the key locations targeted were the business district in Demak, an apartment construction site on Jalan Hup Kee, and several food and beverage outlets at TT3 Commercial Centre. Officers conducted thorough checks, including document verification and on-site questioning, to ensure compliance with immigration regulations.
The operation comes as part of the Malaysian Immigration Department’s ongoing efforts to enforce immigration laws and prevent illegal employment, which can impact public safety and order. The enforcement division said that the detained individuals are now being processed for further action under the Immigration Act.
Immigration officials emphasised that the operation was not aimed at targeting any specific community, but rather at upholding the law and ensuring that all foreign nationals in Malaysia comply with legal requirements. The department also reminded employers to verify the immigration status of their workers to avoid legal consequences.
The Malaysian Immigration Department has stated that such operations will continue to be carried out regularly to deter illegal entry and employment. The public is urged to cooperate by providing accurate information on suspected immigration violations, which will assist enforcement agencies in maintaining the country’s security and order.
