Seven deported for illegal entry

LUNDU: Seven foreigners, including two women, were deported back to Indonesia after being caught entering Sarawak illegally on Saturday (July 27).

According to the First Infantry Division, Malaysian and Indonesian soldiers thwarted three separate attempts by the group in Biawak at 7.30 am, 1.20 pm, and 3.50 pm.

The individuals, ranging in age from 21 to 49, were detected walking from the Indonesian border into Sarawak via illegal routes located approximately 200, 100, and 150 metres from the border.

Authorities reported finding no prohibited or dangerous items among the group’s belongings, which included cash, phones, wallets, and clothes, valued collectively at RM6,560.

Following their capture, the foreigners were escorted to the state border and expelled.

To date, the army has intercepted 147 foreigners attempting to enter the state illegally and has instructed them to return to their countries of origin.

In response to these incidents, the army reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening border control measures to protect the state’s sovereignty and prevent illegal entries and cross-border crimes.