TAWAU – A senior official from the Ministry of Home Affairs visited the Tawau Immigration Depot upgrading project on 17 July 2026 to examine its progress first-hand and gather essential feedback from the implementation teams.
Deputy Secretary-General Puan Ainah binti Mohd Soon led the monitoring visit and was welcomed at the site by Datuk Sh Sitti Saleha binti Habib Yussof, the Director of the Sabah Immigration Department. The visit was arranged to review the actual condition of the depot, obtain the latest status reports, discuss recommendations for additional works, and hear the views of all parties directly involved in the project.
Representatives from the appointed contractors delivered a detailed presentation and briefing session. Zaksa Contractor is responsible for Package 1 of the works, while Gemilang Elektro Sdn Bhd handles Package 2. The session was followed by a dialogue between Puan Ainah and the contractors, allowing technical and administrative concerns to be raised openly.
Several other senior officials were present during the field inspection. They included Ahmad Fuad bin Apandi, Secretary of the Development Division; Hapdzan bin Husaini, Director of the Development Division; Ir Mohd Rozaiman bin Sulaiman, Head of the Technical Section; Mat Reo bin Oredi, Deputy Director of Immigration (Management); PPK Hisyamudin bin Badiyol Zuman, Head of the Tawau Immigration Office; and PPI Ash Rizal bin Abdul Rahman, Commandant of the Tawau Immigration Depot.
The Tawau Immigration Depot is a critical facility on Sabah’s east coast, used to detain foreign nationals who have committed immigration offences before they are repatriated or processed through the legal system. Situated near porous maritime borders, the depot has long faced challenges related to overcrowding and ageing infrastructure, making the upgrading exercise a priority for the government.
Designed to enhance living conditions, improve security, and increase holding capacity, the project is divided into two main packages. It is understood that Package 1 focuses predominantly on building and civil works, while Package 2 covers electrical installations, security systems, and associated technical equipment. Together, the packages represent a comprehensive modernisation of the depot.
Although the precise contract value was not disclosed during the visit, the structured approach signals a significant investment in raising the standard of immigration detention facilities in the state. The Ministry of Home Affairs has previously indicated that upgrading existing depots is part of a broader national effort to ensure humane conditions and operational efficiency at all detention centres.
During the dialogue session, contractors had the opportunity to outline on-site challenges, including logistical constraints and weather-related interruptions common in the coastal region. Puan Ainah underscored the importance of adhering to project timelines and assured both firms that the ministry would facilitate necessary coordination to prevent delays.
The presence of top development and technical division officers reinforced the government’s message that project oversight would remain rigorous. Regular progress meetings are expected to continue, with milestone reviews scheduled to keep the works on track.
The Tawau depot was originally built decades ago with a design capacity that has frequently been exceeded due to sustained immigration enforcement operations. Over the years, the facility has held men, women, and children in conditions that fell short of international standards. The ongoing upgrade is expected to introduce separate accommodation blocks for vulnerable detainees, better medical facilities, and improved sanitation systems.
For Sabah, which manages a high number of undocumented migrants arriving by sea, a properly equipped detention centre is vital. Immigration authorities anticipate that the modernised depot will not only provide a safer environment for detainees but will also enhance the working conditions for enforcement personnel stationed there.
The project aligns with the Home Ministry’s commitment to balance firm immigration control with the welfare of individuals held under its custody. Officials have said that similar upgrades are being implemented at other detention centres across the country, gradually bringing all facilities up to acceptable norms.
Datuk Sh Sitti Saleha noted that the Sabah Immigration Department is cooperating closely with the ministry to ensure the upgraded depot becomes operational without unnecessary delay. She reiterated that the depot is essential for supporting enforcement operations along the east coast and will remain a focal point for immigration management in the region.
Local immigration staff have welcomed the project, pointing out that the upgraded complex will greatly improve daily operations. The inclusion of modern security technology, such as surveillance cameras and controlled access systems, is expected to strengthen perimeter security and reduce internal incidents.
Puan Ainah’s visit concluded with a tour of the active construction zones, where she was briefed on the expected completion timeline for each package. No significant delays were reported, and both contractors expressed confidence in meeting their respective delivery milestones. The deputy secretary-general urged the teams to maintain their momentum and report any emerging issues without hesitation.
The Tawau Immigration Depot upgrading project remains a closely watched initiative within the ministry. Further site visits by senior officials are anticipated as the works advance, underscoring the administration’s determination to deliver a detention facility that meets both operational demands and humane standards. Once completed, the depot is expected to serve as a model for future upgrades in East Malaysia.
