SIBU — A total of 61 foreigners were arrested by the Sarawak Immigration Department during an integrated enforcement operation, Ops Sapu, conducted around Sibu town early Saturday morning.
The large-scale operation, carried out by the Enforcement Division of the Malaysian Immigration Department Sarawak, was launched following information received from the public regarding the presence of undocumented migrants in the area.
According to the department, two series of operations were conducted, involving 18 enforcement officers from the Special Action Team along with personnel from the Sibu, Sri Aman and Sarikei Immigration Divisions.
The operation targeted locations believed to be common settlements for foreign workers. A total of 62 individuals were inspected during the raid, leading to the arrest of 61 foreigners while one local citizen was also detained for further investigation.
Among those arrested were 49 men and 12 women, all suspected of violating the Immigration Act 1959/63 for failing to possess valid travel documents or overstaying their visas. The detainees were later taken to the Sibu Immigration Office for documentation and follow-up action.
The Immigration Department emphasised that the Ops Sapu series was part of continuous efforts to strengthen enforcement and maintain public safety. The department also assured that similar operations would continue across the state to detect and detain illegal immigrants.
“The Immigration Department of Sarawak will not compromise with any individuals or employers who violate the immigration law. We are committed to ensuring that the safety, peace, and security of the local community are preserved,” the department said in a statement.
The operation marks another firm step in the ongoing national effort to control the presence of undocumented foreigners and uphold Malaysia’s immigration integrity.
