(Kuching, 22nd) The enforcement team of the Kuching branch of the Malaysian Immigration Department carried out a large-scale operation at two local construction sites yesterday, detaining a total of 102 illegal immigrants (PATI).
A spokesperson for the Kuching Immigration Department stated that this special operation, named “Operation Mahir” (Ops Mahir), started at 1:30pm yesterday and was launched in response to public reports and department intelligence, which indicated suspected gatherings of undocumented foreign workers at the sites.
“During the raid, a total of 215 people were inspected, out of which 102 foreign nationals (86 males and 16 females) were detained on suspicion of violating immigration laws,” the department stated in a post on Facebook last night.
These foreign nationals were unable to produce valid travel documents and are suspected of committing multiple offenses under the Immigration Act 1959/63 and Immigration Regulations 1963.
All those arrested have been sent to the Kuching Immigration Detention Depot, pending further investigation and subsequent action.
The spokesperson pointed out that the construction industry has always been a key sector under close supervision by the authorities, as the high demand for labor in this sector allows it to easily become a hotspot for hiring undocumented foreign workers.
“The success of this operation demonstrates the immigration department's commitment to ensuring only legal foreign workers are allowed to work in our country. Any illegal activity will face a zero-tolerance enforcement approach.”
At the same time, the Sarawak Immigration Department also reminded employers not to hire or harbor undocumented foreign workers, or else they will face severe legal punishment.
“Any employer found hiring PATI will face hefty fines and even imprisonment, with absolutely no room for leniency.”
The authorities also urge the public that if they are aware of any suspicious activities involving undocumented foreign workers, they should proactively provide information to assist enforcement units in carrying out raids.
A spokesperson for the Kuching Immigration Department stated that this special operation, named “Operation Mahir” (Ops Mahir), started at 1:30pm yesterday and was launched in response to public reports and department intelligence, which indicated suspected gatherings of undocumented foreign workers at the sites.
“During the raid, a total of 215 people were inspected, out of which 102 foreign nationals (86 males and 16 females) were detained on suspicion of violating immigration laws,” the department stated in a post on Facebook last night.
These foreign nationals were unable to produce valid travel documents and are suspected of committing multiple offenses under the Immigration Act 1959/63 and Immigration Regulations 1963.
All those arrested have been sent to the Kuching Immigration Detention Depot, pending further investigation and subsequent action.
The spokesperson pointed out that the construction industry has always been a key sector under close supervision by the authorities, as the high demand for labor in this sector allows it to easily become a hotspot for hiring undocumented foreign workers.
“The success of this operation demonstrates the immigration department's commitment to ensuring only legal foreign workers are allowed to work in our country. Any illegal activity will face a zero-tolerance enforcement approach.”
At the same time, the Sarawak Immigration Department also reminded employers not to hire or harbor undocumented foreign workers, or else they will face severe legal punishment.
“Any employer found hiring PATI will face hefty fines and even imprisonment, with absolutely no room for leniency.”
The authorities also urge the public that if they are aware of any suspicious activities involving undocumented foreign workers, they should proactively provide information to assist enforcement units in carrying out raids.