KUCHING: The General Operations Force (GOF) thwarted two illegal entry attempts involving seven Filipinos and five Indonesians at separate locations on Sunday.
Sarawak Police Commissioner Datuk Aidi Ismail, who confirmed the case, said the first attempt involving Filipinos took place around 6pm around Kampung Masjid Baru, Merapok in Lawas.
A patrol team spotted and detained seven suspicious men, walking along an illegal route, for inspections.
“Further examinations found that the seven men aged between 20 and 54, were Filipinos and they do not have any valid travel documents to enter Malaysia.
“Two hours later in Lubok Antu, the GOF patrol team spotted and detained a group of five individuals walking around Jalan Nanga San around 8.15pm.
“Inspections found that the group comprising a man, three women and a boy aged between six and 41, were Indonesians and they do not have valid travel documents,” he said.
He pointed out that both groups of illegal immigrants were later deported under the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act 1988 (Act 342). They were ordered to turn back using the same illegal route used to enter Malaysia.
From Jan to Sept 27, GOF Sarawak have recorded success worth RM6.17 million by carrying out 252 raids and inspections involving 342 arrests, 80 vehicle seizures and 626 deportations.
“The arrests involved a total of 107 locals consisting of 102 men and five women; and a total of 235 foreigners consisting of 196 men and 39 women.
“On deportations, it involved a total of 626 Indonesians consisting of 518 men and 108 women,” Aidi said.
He said that the statistics also include the arrest of 67 tekong (human trafficking agents) involving 61 locals consisting of 60 men and a woman, and six Indonesian men. In addition, a total of 55 vehicles used for the purpose, were confiscated.
