KUCHING – A total of 64 foreigners were arrested during an integrated enforcement operation conducted by the Sarawak Enforcement Division of the Immigration Department of Malaysia in several locations around Kuching city.
The operation, which was carried out from March 11 to March 12, involved 34 enforcement officers who conducted inspections and raids at targeted premises believed to be linked to immigration offences. Authorities said the operation began early in the morning and continued until late at night as officers moved between several locations across the city.
During the daytime operation, enforcement officers raided a construction site in the Muara Tebas area. Inspections were also conducted at several restaurant premises in Pending Heights. These premises were suspected of being involved in illegal activities, including the operation of online gambling services.
Checks carried out on individuals at these locations revealed that several foreigners were suspected of violating the Immigration Act 1959/63. Among the offences identified were failure to possess valid travel documents and overstaying beyond the period permitted under Malaysian immigration laws.
Following the daytime raids, the enforcement team continued its operation later in the evening by targeting an entertainment centre in Kuching city. During this night raid, authorities detained 22 foreigners. Those arrested were identified as citizens of China, Vietnam, Laos, the Philippines and Indonesia.
The Immigration Department said the integrated operation was part of ongoing efforts to ensure compliance with immigration regulations and to address the presence of foreigners involved in illegal activities in the state.
All 64 individuals arrested during the operation were taken to the Immigration Depot for further investigation. Authorities will determine the appropriate legal action based on the offences committed under the Immigration Act 1959/63 and other related regulations.
The Immigration Department also stressed that enforcement operations such as these will continue to be carried out from time to time in order to safeguard public order and ensure that foreign nationals in the country comply with Malaysian laws.
Officials urged employers and business owners to ensure that all foreign workers hired are in possession of valid documents and work permits. They also reminded members of the public to report any suspicious activities involving undocumented migrants to the relevant authorities.
The department reiterated that strict enforcement remains necessary to maintain order and uphold immigration laws in Sarawak, especially in major urban areas such as Kuching where economic activities attract a large number of foreign workers.
