KUCHING – A total of 37 foreign nationals were detained by the Malaysian Immigration Department during a two-day enforcement operation conducted in the Demak area and Lundu earlier this week.
The operation, carried out from March 3 to March 4, was led by the Enforcement Division of the Immigration Department’s Kuching office. A team of 33 immigration officers took part in the coordinated effort aimed at tackling immigration offences, particularly the misuse of passes and the employment of foreign workers without valid permits.
According to the department, the operation focused on several identified locations in Demak, including factories suspected of hiring foreign workers without proper work passes or permits. Officers also inspected food and beverage premises believed to be employing foreigners who were using social visit passes to work illegally.
During the daytime checks, enforcement teams carried out document inspections and verification procedures to ensure that all foreign workers had valid documentation to work in Malaysia. Several individuals were found to have breached immigration regulations, resulting in their detention for further investigation.
As night fell, the operation continued in the interior areas of Rambungan in Lundu, where officers conducted raids at worker housing located near durian and oil palm plantations. The location posed logistical challenges to the enforcement team as the workers’ quarters were situated in remote areas with narrow, rocky access routes that were difficult to navigate.
Despite the challenging terrain and limited accessibility, the immigration officers successfully carried out the raids and detained additional individuals suspected of immigration violations. Authorities said the operation was conducted carefully to ensure the safety of both officers and those involved.
All 37 detained foreigners were later brought to the Immigration Office for further processing and investigation. Authorities will determine the appropriate legal action under the existing provisions of Malaysia’s immigration laws.
The Malaysian Immigration Department stated that enforcement operations such as this will continue to be carried out regularly. The department emphasised its commitment to curbing the misuse of immigration passes and preventing the illegal employment of foreign nationals in the state.
Officials also reminded employers to comply with immigration regulations and ensure that all foreign workers hired have valid documentation and proper work permits. Failure to do so may result in legal action against both the workers and the employers involved.
The department reiterated that enforcement operations are part of ongoing efforts to safeguard national security, maintain public order, and ensure that Malaysia’s immigration system is respected and properly enforced.
As Sarawak continues to develop its economic sectors, authorities stress that lawful employment practices remain essential to protect both local workers and legitimate foreign labour operating within the legal framework.
