KAPIT — The Sarawak Malaysian Immigration Department has once again shown its firm stance on enforcing immigration laws following the successful implementation of a special operation known as Ops Sapu in the Kapit area early Tuesday.
The operation, carried out by the Immigration Department’s Special Action Team in collaboration with the Kapit Immigration Department, began as early as 3.30 am and continued until 12.15 pm. It was launched based on intelligence gathering and continuous monitoring aimed at detecting the presence of foreigners suspected of breaching Malaysia’s immigration regulations.
A total of 10 immigration officers were deployed during the operation, which focused on several identified locations around Kapit. Checks were conducted thoroughly and systematically to ensure that individuals present in the targeted areas complied with the country’s immigration requirements.
During the operation, immigration officers inspected 121 individuals. These included 116 male and five female foreigners. Each person was carefully examined, with officers verifying travel documents, permits, and passes to determine whether they were legally in the country.
As a result of the checks, 41 foreigners were detained for further investigation. Those detained consisted of 40 men and one woman. They are suspected of committing offences under Section 6(1)(c) of the Immigration Act 1959/63, which relates to entering and remaining in Malaysia without valid travel documents or passes.
All detainees were taken to the relevant immigration office for further action in accordance with existing laws and procedures. Authorities stressed that enforcement actions such as Ops Sapu are carried out professionally and in line with legal standards to ensure fairness while protecting national interests.
The Sarawak Malaysian Immigration Department said operations like this will continue to be intensified from time to time. Such efforts are part of ongoing measures to curb illegal immigration and to ensure that all foreigners residing or working in the state comply fully with Malaysian laws.
The department also called on members of the public to play their part by providing information on the whereabouts or activities of suspicious foreigners. Public cooperation, it said, is crucial in helping authorities safeguard national security, public order, and the sovereignty of the country.
With continued enforcement and community support, the Immigration Department hopes to maintain better control over immigration matters, particularly in areas that are vulnerable to illegal entry and overstaying.
