Jabatan Imigresen Malaysia (JIM) Terengganu has stepped up enforcement efforts against the influx of foreign nationals, with a total of 317 undocumented migrants detained in six separate operations conducted across the state this year.
All arrests were made through a series of integrated operations, including large-scale enforcement exercises carried out at several strategic locations.
Terengganu Immigration Department director Mohd Yusri Mohd Nor said the crackdown followed comprehensive inspections involving 776 individuals of various nationalities.
He said 277 undocumented migrants were detained in three major integrated operations, while the remaining 40 were arrested in three separate operations conducted independently.
The detainees include nationals from Bangladesh, Indonesia, India, Iraq and Myanmar, including individuals from the Chin and Rohingya communities.
Investigations revealed that the arrests involved various offences under the Immigration Act, including 125 cases under Section 39(b) for breaching pass conditions, 110 cases under Section 6(1)(c) for lacking valid travel documents, and 82 cases under Section 15(1)(c) for overstaying.
Mohd Yusri said JIM Terengganu will continue to intensify enforcement operations from time to time to ensure the state remains free from illegal foreign presence.
He also issued a stern warning to locals not to act as accomplices in harbouring undocumented migrants.
He added that strict action will be taken against any individuals, including employers and premises owners, found to be protecting or employing foreign nationals without valid documents.
