25 individuals were arrested in an immigration operation in Kuching

KUCHING, 19 Sept: A total of 25 individuals have been detained by Sarawak's Malaysian Immigration Department (JIM) in enforcement operations at nine locations around Kuching from Thursday to yesterday.

According to JIM Sarawak, the operation under Kuching Enforcement Division involved Ops Selera, Ops Kutip and Ops Sapu which were conducted as a result of public complaints and its risks.

The operation ran from 8 p.m. to 4 a.m. targeting grocery stores, suspected online gambling businesses, workers' homes, construction houses and rental rooms.

The locations in question include Tan Sri Datuk Road Amar Wee Boon Ping, Landeh Road, Raja Loyal Road, Sungai Batu Village, Central Sultan Road and Demak Road.

"A total of 58 individuals were examined in the operation before 25 of them were detained for further action.

"In addition, a witness summons was issued to assist the investigation into detected immigration offences", according to the statement.

JIM Sarawak said the alleged offences involve Section 15 (a) and Section 6 (c) of the Immigration Act 1959/63 (Act 155), as well as Regulations 11 ((7) (a) of the Immigration Regulations 1963.

"Enforcement operations will continue to be carried out on a deliberate basis based on risk information and public complaints to ensure compliance with immigration laws", he said.