Immigration detains eight in KK entertainment centre raid

KOTA KINABALU (Jan 31): Eight illegal immigrants were detained by the Immigration Department during an operation at an entertainment centre here on Friday.

Sabah Immigration Department director Datuk SH Sitti Saleha Habib Yussof said 278 people had their identification checked, resulting in the detention of eight illegal immigrants for failing to produce valid documents.

“Those detained were three men and five women consisting of Filipinos and Indonesians as they failed to show any valid documents when requested.

“Some of them were also believed to have overstayed their permitted period, while the rest have no travel documents at all,” she said in a statement.

Sitti Saleha said the operation was carried out to ensure that patrons and workers comply with immigration laws.

All those detained were taken to the immigration depot for documentation, further investigation and follow-up action.

She said the case is being investigated under Section 6(1)(c) of the Immigration Act 1959/63 for being in Malaysia without valid documents.

Sitti Saleha also reminded entertainment premises operators to ensure that foreign workers possess complete and valid documents, warning that legal action will be taken against employers or premises owners who fail to comply.