KUCHING: A total of 23 illegal immigrants were inspected, and 15 were detained for various immigration offences in two enforcement operations conducted by the Malaysian Immigration Department (JIM) in Sungai Asap, Belaga.
According to federal Home Affairs Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, from Jan 1, 2023, to Feb 29, 2024, a total of 13,047 enforcement operations were carried out nationwide by JIM, resulting in 35,879 individuals being detained for various immigration offences.
“Out of this total, 1,632 enforcement operations were conducted in Sarawak, involving the arrests of 4,778 individuals.
“In the same period, two enforcement operations were conducted by JIM Sarawak in Sungai Asap, Belaga involving the inspection of 23 foreign nationals, and 15 foreign nationals were detained for various immigration offences.”
Saifuddin made these remarks in response to a question from Senator Michael Mujah Lihan at the Dewan Negara on Tuesday (March 26).
He said that addressing the presence of foreign nationals in the country is not the sole responsibility of one party but involves the participation of various agencies and other parties, including citizens.
“All Malaysians must participate in combating the presence of illegal immigrants by not providing protection, renting out premises or property, or hiring this group of people.”
Saifuddin stressed that the cooperation and concern of the people are essential and effective elements in addressing this issue in the long run.
