BINTULU — A pre-dawn operation by the Sarawak Immigration Department’s Security Monitoring and Enforcement Unit (UPKP) successfully detained 19 illegal immigrants during Ops Sapu on Tuesday.
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The operation, which began at 6.00am and ended around 3.00pm, involved seven enforcement officers and targeted two rented houses in Bintulu town based on prior intelligence.
Sarawak Immigration Director said the detainees comprised men, women, and children from neighbouring countries. They were found committing offences under Section 15(1)(c) and Section 6(1)(c) of the Immigration Act 1959/63.
“Initial investigations revealed that all of them entered Sarawak through ungazetted entry points, believed to be arranged by local agents charging between RM2,000 and RM3,000 per person,” the department said in a statement.
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The 17 adult detainees will be sent to the Bekenu Immigration Depot for further processing, while the two children and their guardians will be housed at Baitul Mahabbah Bekenu, which provides a more suitable environment for child detainees.
Authorities believe this syndicate has been operating for some time, exploiting weak border points to facilitate the entry of illegal immigrants. The department assured that efforts to track down the masterminds will continue, with a focus on dismantling networks that profit from human smuggling.
The Sarawak Immigration Department reiterated its commitment to safeguarding state security and sovereignty by intensifying enforcement measures against the presence of PATI (Pendatang Asing Tanpa Izin).
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The public is urged to cooperate by reporting any suspicious activities involving illegal immigrants to the nearest immigration office to ensure swift action can be taken. — Jabatan Imigresen Malaysia Sarawak
