LUNDU – The Malaysian Immigration Department Sarawak has successfully crippled a migrant smuggling operation at the Biawak border in Lundu during a special enforcement action early this morning.
The operation, known as Ops Serkap, was carried out by the department’s Special Action Team following intelligence reports on active migrant smuggling and human trafficking activities using ungazetted routes near the perimeter of the Biawak Immigration, Customs, Quarantine and Security Complex.
According to the department, a total of nine officers from the Special Action Team were deployed in the operation. The team used one official department vehicle and four private vehicles to monitor and track suspicious movements in the border area.
During the operation, officers detected two vehicles believed to be transporting migrants from a forested area before heading towards the main road in Biawak, Lundu. The team followed the vehicles closely and managed to stop them for inspection at the roadside near Lorong Opek 8, Jalan Biawak.
Upon inspection, enforcement officers arrested 16 foreigners comprising 12 men and four women. Initial checks revealed that the individuals were suspected of being involved in migrant smuggling activities and were found without valid travel documents.
All those detained were brought to the Immigration Enforcement Office for further investigation and processing. The authorities also seized two vehicles believed to have been used to facilitate the illegal activity.
The case is currently being investigated under Section 26A of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Act 2007, as well as Sections 5(1), 6(1)(c) and 15(1)(c) of the Immigration Act 1959/63.
The Malaysian Immigration Department Sarawak reaffirmed its commitment to intensifying enforcement operations, particularly in border areas prone to cross-border crimes. The department stressed that strict action will continue to be taken against syndicates and individuals involved in migrant smuggling and human trafficking activities.
The success of this operation highlights the importance of intelligence-driven enforcement and continuous monitoring along Sarawak’s international borders. Authorities have also reminded the public not to engage in or support any illegal cross-border activities, as such offences carry severe legal consequences.
With border security remaining a national priority, the department has pledged to remain vigilant and proactive in safeguarding the state from illegal immigration and transnational crime.
