KOTA SAMARAHAN: The Sarawak Immigration Department has apprehended 72 illegal immigrants during Op Sapu around Asajaya yesterday (Apr 26).
Its director Abdul Halim Abang Naili said the operation was carried out with some 30 officers of various ranks from the Enforcement Division of the department.
“Op Sapu has been planned after gathering intelligence regarding foreign nationals who are suspected of working without valid passports, expired working permits and overstaying in Malaysia without proper documents.
“The immigration authorities detained around 55 men and 17 women who are Indonesian citizens,” he said in a statement yesterday.
Abdul Halim said the operation will continue throughout Sarawak as part of efforts to curb the entry of foreign nationals without valid travel documents or work permits.
In light of this, the public is urged to collaborate with the department by channelling information regarding suspected foreigners working without proper work permits or travel documents.
He said that among the offences identified are invalid documents, overstaying and other offences that violate the Immigration Act 1959/63, Passport Act 1966 and Immigration Regulations 1963.
“All the detainees are being held at the Semuja Immigration Detention Depot, Serian for investigation and further action,” he said.
