Series of Immigration Dept raids in Miri record arrest of 29 illegal immigrants

MIRI: The Immigration Department’s enforcement team apprehended 29 illegal immigrants during a series of raids conducted here on Thursday and Friday.

In a post on its official Facebook page, the department said ‘Ops Selera’ targeted restaurants, sundry shops, oil palm plantations, as well as certian remote settlements.

“A total of 62 individuals were inspected throughout the two days, of whom 29 comprising 21 men, five women and three children were arrested for overstaying and for not having valid passports or permits to stay in Malaysia.

“The seven who were arrested on the first day of ‘Ops Selera’ were workers at the local eateries, which the department has identified as ‘hotspots’.

“On the second day, 22 individuals – mostly Indonesian and Filipino workers – were caught,” it said.

All cases are to be investigated under Section 6(1)(c) and Section 15(1)(c) of the Immigration Act 1959/63, read together with Rule 11(7)(a) of the Immigration Regulations 1963.

The department said it would continue to intensify efforts to track down foreign nationals found to be violating the immigration laws.

“Any foreign worker who intends to work in Sarawak is advised to apply for a valid and appropriate work or visit pass, in accordance with the provisions under the Malaysian law to avoid legal implications.

“Complying with the rules will also provide the foreign workers with more comprehensive welfare protection,” it added.