KOTA KINABALU – The Sabah Immigration Department (JIM) has arrested five foreign women during two separate Ops Gegar enforcement operations carried out today in Kota Kinabalu and Penampang.
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Sabah Immigration Director, Datuk SH Sitti Saleha Habib Yussof, said the women – four Thai nationals and one Lao national – were suspected of committing offences under Regulation 39(b) of the Immigration Regulations 1963. The regulation pertains to the misuse of immigration passes, which can include working in unauthorised sectors or overstaying the permitted duration.
The operations, which commenced early this morning, involved 25 enforcement officers from the Sabah JIM Enforcement Division. According to Datuk Sitti Saleha, inspections were conducted on 16 individuals at several targeted premises, resulting in the detention of the five women.
“Those arrested are suspected of misusing their passes and violating the Immigration Act 1959/63. This act is a serious offence that undermines our country’s immigration laws and regulations,” she stressed.
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She further emphasised that JIM Sabah will not compromise when it comes to taking firm action against individuals or employers found to be harbouring or hiring illegal immigrants (PATI).
“We urge members of the public to come forward with credible information regarding the presence of illegal immigrants in their areas. All information will be treated confidentially, and the public’s cooperation is vital in our ongoing efforts to safeguard national security and uphold the law,” she added.
The arrested individuals will be processed for further investigation before any legal proceedings are initiated. Offenders found guilty under Regulation 39(b) face fines, imprisonment, and deportation.
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This latest operation reaffirms JIM Sabah’s commitment to intensifying enforcement activities to curb the misuse of immigration passes and to ensure all foreign nationals in the state comply with Malaysian immigration laws. — Jabatan Imigresen Negeri Sabah
