A total of 24 foreign nationals were detained by the Sarawak Immigration Department during a series of enforcement operations carried out in Kuching and Samarahan on Friday.
The department said the individuals were arrested for alleged immigration offences, including entering Malaysia without valid passes or permits, as well as overstaying beyond the approved period under their visit passes or permits.
The offences were investigated under Section 6(1)(c) and Section 15(1)(c) of the Immigration Act 1959/63 (Act 155), while a witness summons was also issued to support further investigations.
The enforcement operations, known as Ops Minyak, Ops Selera and Ops Mahir, were conducted simultaneously at seven locations across Kuching and Samarahan between 9am and 3pm.
According to the department, the operations were launched following public complaints and intelligence gathered earlier by enforcement officers.
Inspection teams focused on heavy machinery workshops located in Kampung Semeba and Kampung Sudat in Kuching, as well as eateries and premises suspected of being involved in online gambling activities around Muara Tuang, Kota Samarahan.
Several scrap metal and second-hand goods shops in Kota Samarahan were also inspected to ensure business operators complied with national immigration laws and regulations.
The department said enforcement efforts would continue to be intensified regularly to curb immigration offences and maintain public safety and order.
Members of the public were also encouraged to provide information on undocumented migrants or any suspicious illegal activities to the authorities for further action.
