KUCHING, Jan 14, 2026 — The Malaysian Immigration Department in Kuching has once again taken firm action to uphold the law and protect national security through an early morning enforcement operation carried out across several parts of the city.
The operation, conducted from early Tuesday morning on Jan 13 until early Wednesday morning on Jan 14, was led by the Kuching Immigration Enforcement Division. A total of 29 immigration officers were deployed in what authorities described as a planned and focused operation targeting areas suspected of housing foreign nationals involved in immigration-related offences.
According to official information, the operation resulted in the arrest of 53 foreign nationals who are believed to have committed various offences under existing immigration laws. The arrests were made after checks and inspections were carried out at multiple locations around Kuching.
Among the areas targeted were several residential houses located in the orchard area around Kampung Trombol, which has previously drawn attention due to the presence of foreign workers. Officers also conducted inspections at several factories within the Demak industrial area, a known hub for manufacturing and labour-intensive activities. In addition, a shared house at a construction site along Jalan Arang was also inspected during the operation.
Immigration officers carried out document checks and questioned individuals found at the premises. Those who failed to produce valid travel documents or were suspected of overstaying, misusing passes, or breaching other immigration conditions were detained on the spot.
All 53 foreign nationals who were arrested were later brought to the Kuching Immigration Office for further investigation. Authorities confirmed that appropriate action will be taken against those found to have violated the law, in accordance with the provisions under Malaysia’s immigration legislation.
The Immigration Department stressed that such enforcement operations are not conducted at random, but are based on intelligence gathering and public complaints. The department also reiterated that these operations are necessary to ensure that immigration laws are respected and that public order and national security remain safeguarded.
Officials added that enforcement efforts like this will continue to be carried out from time to time, including during early morning hours, to prevent illegal activities from taking root. The public has also been encouraged to cooperate with authorities by providing information related to suspected immigration offences.
In conclusion, the early morning operation around Kuching reflects the Malaysian Immigration Department’s ongoing commitment to maintaining law and order. By taking consistent and firm action, the authorities aim to ensure that Malaysia’s immigration system remains respected and that the country’s security interests are protected.
