43 Foreign Nationals Detained For Immigration Offences In Kuching

KUCHING, May 7 (Bernama) -- A day-long immigration crackdown across Kuching led to the detention of 43 foreign nationals suspected of various immigration offences, with enforcement teams raiding a fish landing jetty, construction sites and workers’ quarters.

Sarawak Immigration Department (JIM) said the arrests were made during operations conducted at several locations around the city yesterday under the Immigration Act 1959/63.

In a statement, it said the initial raid was carried out at the Malaysian Fisheries Development Authority (LKIM) Fish Landing Jetty in Tanjung Bako after enforcement personnel detected the presence of several foreign nationals believed to have been staying in the area for a long period.

“The operation, which was also assisted by LKIM officers, led to the detention of several foreign nationals suspected of not possessing valid travel documents or passports,” the statement said.

The operation continued in the afternoon at two houses still under construction in Kampung Jaya Bakti and Kampung Sungai Batu where foreign nationals were believed to be working as construction workers without valid documents.

JIM Sarawak said that at night, the raids focused on workers’ quarters and rented rooms occupied by foreign nationals at Lee Ling Commercial Centre, the Pines Square Batu Kawa commercial area and Taman Hui Sing.

“All detainees have been taken to the Kuching Immigration Enforcement Division Office for further action,” it added.

-- BERNAMA