35 illegal immigrants nabbed in ops

MIRI: Thirty-five illegal immigrants (PATI) were apprehended at an oil palm plantation in Lambir Bukit Song here by the Miri Immigration Enforcement (UPI) in a pre-dawn operation on Friday.

The operation, executed with the cooperation of the Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC), targeted a plantation where the employer had repeatedly ignored directives to register undocumented foreign workers.

The Sarawak Malaysian Immigration Department (JIMS) issued a statement detailing the operation, which was based on intelligence and information provided by concerned parties.

The operation began early in the morning and led to the detention of 35 individuals who were found to be in violation of immigration laws.

Investigations revealed that the plantation employer had been previously advised to enrol foreign workers without valid passports in the Workforce Recalibration Programme, initiated by JIMS in July 2023.

Despite being given ample opportunity and guidance, the employer failed to comply.

“The detained foreign workers committed offences such as overstaying, lacking valid travel documents, and not possessing valid passports to remain in Malaysia,” the statement said.

All detained individuals are currently under investigation, with cases being processed under Section 6(1)(c) and Section 15(1)(c) of the Immigration Act 1959/63.

JIMS reiterated the importance of employers taking responsibility for their foreign workers by securing proper work passes. Employers failing to comply with these regulations risk severe legal repercussions.

The public is urged to report any relevant information regarding illegal immigrants to the Malaysian Immigration Department or through the available online complaint channels.