49 foreigners busted in immigration sweep

BINTULU: The Sarawak Immigration Department arrested a total of 49 foreigners following successful operations dubbed ‘Ops Kutip’ and ‘Ops Bersama’ at various industrial sites on Jan 11.

A series of raids were executed by the Bintulu Immigration Division enforcement unit at sawmills, oil palm plantations, and frozen product processing factories.

In the operations, the team had inspected 57 Indonesian nationals for their valid documents.

Of the figure, 49 were arrested after they were found to be working without valid work passes and travel documents.

Subsequently, all foreign detainees were remanded and the case is being investigated under Sections 6(1)(c), 15(1)(c) of the Immigration Act 1959/63, and Regulation 39(b) of the Immigration Regulations 1963.

Highlighting the significance of valid documentation, the department urged the public, especially employers, to ensure that their supervised employees possess valid work passes to avoid legal repercussions that may impact both employers and employees.

Throughout the operations held last week, the department pointed out that they often face the challenges of remote workplaces and multiple escape routes when dealing with foreigners working without valid passports.

However, such challenges did not pose obstacles for the Bintulu Immigration Division, who demonstrated efficiency in addressing these issues in collaboration with the marine police and the People’s Volunteer Corp (Rela).

Bintulu Immigration Enforcement Unit arresting foreigners who were working without valid work passes and travel documents at various industrial sites.

Bintulu Immigration Enforcement Unit arresting foreigners who were working without valid work passes and travel documents at various industrial sites.