KUCHING – The Sarawak Immigration Department has intensified its enforcement drive with a large-scale operation known as Ops Sapu, conducted between 7 and 8 July 2026.
The exercise, which ran overnight from 8.00 pm to 7.00 am, focused on workers’ housing in Sebuyau and shared accommodation within oil palm plantations in Simunjan.
The operation was initiated following public complaints and intelligence gathered by the Kuching Immigration Enforcement Division.
Authorities aimed to identify foreign nationals suspected of breaching immigration laws, particularly those without valid documentation or overstaying their permitted period.
During the inspections, officers checked a total of 93 individuals categorised as Persons Under Investigation. Out of this number, 86 foreigners were detained for further action.
They are believed to have contravened Section 6(1)(c) and Section 15(1)(c) of the Immigration Act 1959/63 (Act 155), which cover offences related to lacking valid travel documents and overstaying visas.
A witness summons was also issued to support the ongoing investigation. Ops Sapu reflects the department’s commitment to tackling illegal immigration across Sarawak.
Officials emphasised that such enforcement activities are crucial to safeguarding national security and maintaining public order.
The department has pledged to continue strengthening its operations in response to community concerns and intelligence reports.
Immigration enforcement remains a pressing issue in Malaysia, particularly in states like Sarawak, where industries such as agriculture and plantations rely heavily on foreign labour.
While many workers are legally employed, authorities have consistently highlighted the risks posed by undocumented individuals, including potential exploitation, safety concerns, and strain on local resources.
The Sarawak Immigration Department has urged members of the public to remain vigilant and to report any suspected illegal activities or undocumented migrants.
Community cooperation, they stressed, is vital in ensuring that enforcement agencies can act swiftly and effectively. Ops Sapu is part of a wider national strategy to regulate foreign labour and uphold immigration laws.
Similar operations have been carried out in other states, reflecting Malaysia’s broader effort to balance economic needs with legal compliance and security priorities.
By reinforcing enforcement measures, the department aims to deter future violations and reassure the public that immigration laws are being upheld consistently.
The latest operation in Sebuyau and Simunjan demonstrates how intelligence-led action, combined with community input, continues to shape Malaysia’s approach to immigration control.
