KUCHING: The first two days of ‘Ops Jala’ resulted in the detention of 20 undocumented foreigners.
Sarawak Security and Enforcement Unit (UPKN) director Datuk Dr Chai Khin Chung said operations were carried out at eight construction sites across the city from Jan 20 to 21.
Authorities checked a total of 521 individuals, and of the number, 17 men and three women were detained.
“All of the detainees are believed to have no valid travel and employment documents.
“They are now quarantined under the Infectious Disease Prevention Act 1988 (Act 342).
“The group has been placed in a quarantine centre to examine and determine their health status before further action is taken.”
The two-day operation involved personnel from the police, the army, immigration, health and Construction Industry Development Board.
Chai, who is Sarawak Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) head of secretariat, explained that the operation was a strategy to block the entry of illegal immigrants more effectively thus curbing the spread of Covid-19 import cases.
“Ops Jala’s strategic cores are to reduce the job demand for foreigners, limit domestic movement, deport undocumented foreigners from Sarawak and discourage Sarawakians from employing undocumented foreigners.
“We encourage foreign workers who are interested in working here, to enter Sarawak legally.”
The operation, which complements other operations such as Ops Benteng, will continue to be carried out as long as there is a need and it could become a permanent feature.
