DUNGUN – Twenty foreign nationals were arrested during a series of immigration enforcement operations conducted across Kuala Terengganu, Marang and Dungun on 17 August.
The Terengganu Immigration Department’s Enforcement Division carried out Ops Selera, Ops Sapu and Ops Mahir from 8am, inspecting seven locations as part of efforts to check compliance with immigration requirements.
A total of 47 individuals underwent checks during the operations, which covered residential premises, food establishments and a storage facility.
The department said 20 individuals were arrested after they were found to be suspected of immigration offences. The group comprised seven men, eight women, two boys and three girls, aged between one and 57.
Of those arrested, 13 were Thai nationals, consisting of five men, six women, one boy and one girl. The remaining seven were Myanmar nationals, comprising two men, two women, one boy and two girls.
The individuals are suspected of offences, including not possessing valid immigration passes or permits and breaching conditions attached to their passes.
The department said the suspected offences were being investigated under the Immigration Act 1959/63 and Immigration Regulations 1963.
The largest number of arrests at a single location was recorded at a food premises in Kampung Sura Tengah, Dungun, where eight individuals were detained.
A further five people were arrested at a food premises in Kampung Batu 48. In Marang, four individuals were detained at a house in Kampung Sentol Patah.
Three more arrests were made at a residential property along Jalan Panji Alam in Kuala Terengganu.
In addition to the arrests, a witness summons was issued as part of the department’s follow-up investigations.
All 20 detainees were subsequently sent to the Ajil Immigration Depot for further action and investigation under the applicable immigration laws.
The operations formed part of enforcement efforts targeting compliance at both business and residential premises across Terengganu.
Immigration authorities regularly conduct document and status checks to determine whether foreign nationals are staying or working in the country in accordance with the relevant legal requirements.
The latest operations covered several types of premises, reflecting the department’s focus on different locations where immigration compliance may need to be assessed.
The department said enforcement operations would continue to be intensified at business and residential premises throughout the state.
The stated aim is to ensure compliance with immigration legislation and address the presence of individuals suspected of residing or working in Terengganu without the required documentation or in breach of immigration conditions.
The authorities’ investigation into the 20 detainees will determine the next course of action under the applicable laws. Further proceedings will depend on the outcome of those investigations and any relevant legal requirements.
