LABUAN – A pre-dawn immigration enforcement operation in two settlement areas of the Federal Territory of Labuan has resulted in the arrest of 26 undocumented migrants, authorities confirmed on Thursday.
The operation, codenamed Mega Op, was carried out in the early hours of 17 July 2026, acting on intelligence gathered from public tip-offs and surveillance. Officers moved in before daybreak to check the immigration status of individuals found at the locations.
Head of Operations TPPI Mohd Shufandy bin Mohd Hashim led the raid, supported by 20 personnel from the Labuan Immigration Department. They were joined by six officers from the National Registration Department, eight members of the People’s Volunteer Corps, and one officer from the Civil Defence Force.
During the sweep, a total of 51 people were inspected. The group comprised 23 Malaysian citizens and 28 foreign nationals. Following document verification, 18 Indonesian citizens and eight Filipino citizens were detained on suspicion of committing immigration offences.
The detainees are believed to have violated Section 6(1)(c) of the Immigration Act 1959/63, which makes it an offence to enter or remain in Malaysia without a valid pass or permit. Some are also being investigated under Regulation 39(b) of the Immigration Regulations 1963, which deals with overstaying.
All 26 individuals were taken to the Enforcement Division office of the Labuan Immigration Department for documentation and further processing. The department confirmed that legal action will follow, potentially including prosecution and deportation.
Labuan Immigration Director Mohd Redzuan bin Nawi, in a statement released after the operation, reiterated that enforcement activities would be intensified to detect, arrest, prosecute, and repatriate foreign nationals who fail to abide by the country’s immigration laws. He stressed that such operations would continue without let-up.
Beyond targeting undocumented migrants, the department also issued a stern warning to employers and premises owners who hire foreign workers without proper authorisation. Under Section 55B of the Immigration Act 1959/63, those found guilty of employing illegal immigrants face hefty penalties.
Upon conviction, an employer can be fined between RM10,000 and RM50,000, imprisoned for up to twelve months, or both, for each worker employed.
The Labuan Immigration Department has been actively clamping down on illegal immigration in the federal territory.
Given Labuan’s status as an international business and financial centre and its close proximity to the coasts of Sabah and neighbouring countries, the island has long been a draw for foreign nationals seeking work. However, many enter legally but overstay, while others arrive through unauthorised channels.
This latest operation highlights the coordinated approach between federal agencies and voluntary bodies. The involvement of the National Registration Department allows for swift verification of identity documents for Malaysian citizens, while RELA and the Civil Defence Force provide extra manpower to secure the targeted zones.
Residents in the two settlement areas had reportedly raised concerns about the presence of undocumented individuals, prompting authorities to take action. The department encourages the public to continue channelling information on immigration-related offences to assist enforcement efforts.
The 26 detainees will be held at the department’s detention facility pending investigation and legal proceedings. Those found guilty of immigration violations will be charged in court and, upon completion of their sentences, deported to their home countries.
Indonesia and the Philippines are common origin countries for many of the undocumented population in Labuan, reflecting the deep geographical and cultural links across the Sulu and Sulawesi Seas.
The department’s continuous raids serve as a deterrent to both illegal immigrants and unscrupulous employers. In recent years, several high-profile cases have seen employers handed heavy fines for harbouring undocumented workers, part of a broader nationwide crackdown.
Officials noted that the early-morning timing of the operation was strategic, designed to catch individuals before they could disperse for the day. The element of surprise often yields more effective results in such enforcement exercises.
All agencies involved described the operation as smooth and successful, and further joint operations are already being planned across the Federal Territory of Labuan. The department aims to ensure that the island’s workforce operates within the bounds of Malaysian law, safeguarding national security and social harmony.
The Labuan Immigration Department has reminded all foreign nationals that they must possess valid travel documents and passes at all times. Those who wish to work must obtain the necessary permits from the relevant authorities. Failure to comply will invite immediate enforcement action.
This operation is one of many under the department’s ongoing Mega Op initiative, which targets illegal settlements and workplaces known to employ undocumented workers. The department works in close collaboration with police, RELA, and local councils to address the issue comprehensively.
The public is reminded that hiring or sheltering illegal immigrants is a serious offence, and the authorities will not hesitate to take legal action against offenders. The department’s hotline and online portals remain open for members of the public to report any suspicious activities related to immigration.
As Labuan continues to develop as an economic hub, the authorities are keen to maintain a regulated environment where all residents, local and foreign, abide by the law. The frequent enforcement operations underscore the commitment of the Malaysian Immigration Department to uphold the integrity of the nation’s borders.
