BINTULU – The Sarawak Immigration Department (JIM) through its Security Monitoring and Enforcement Unit (UPKP) has arrested 27 illegal immigrants (PATI) in two separate operations known as Ops Sapu and Ops Minyak around Bintulu.
The operations were carried out after weeks of intelligence work, involving eight enforcement officers. Ops Sapu took place from 12 midnight until 5am at three rented houses suspected to be used by illegal immigrants.
Meanwhile, Ops Minyak was conducted between 10am and 11am at two business premises – a car wash and a car detailing shop – suspected of hiring foreign workers without valid documents.
As a result, 27 foreigners were arrested. They consisted of 19 Indonesians (9 women and 10 men) and 8 Bangladeshi men. All of them were arrested for overstaying under Section 15(1)(c) of the Immigration Act 1959/63 and for not having valid travel documents under Section 6(1)(c). They are now being detained at the Bekenu Immigration Depot for further investigation.
Two Malaysians, a man from Peninsular Malaysia and a local woman, were also found at the scene during the raids. They were not arrested but were issued Witness Summons Notices to assist in the investigation.
JIM Sarawak reminded the public, especially employers, to always be responsible when hiring foreign workers. Every worker must have valid travel documents and a proper work permit approved by the authorities.
Failure to follow the law is a serious offence and can lead to heavy fines, jail sentences, and court action. Employers who intentionally or carelessly hire undocumented workers will face strict legal action without compromise.
JIM Sarawak also stressed that enforcement operations like this will continue from time to time to stop the entry and presence of illegal immigrants. This effort is important to maintain safety, public order, and the rule of law in Sarawak and Malaysia as a whole. – JIM Sarawak
