SANDAKAN: Babies and the elderly were among 783 illegal immigrants deported to the Philippines from Sandakan, on Friday (Dec 19).
The deportation exercise was carried out by the Sabah Immigration Department from the Sandakan Jetty to Zamboanga City.
Department director Datuk SH Sitti Saleha Habib Yussof said this is the 23rd series of deportations this year, with the latest involving 683 men, 70 women and 28 children aged 12 and under.
She said these Filipinos involved babies as young as under two and up to 75 years old.
"As of Saturday (Dec 20), the total number of people sent back to their home countries via sea and air routes is at 11,221, comprising 8,421 Filipinos, 2,375 Indonesians, 257 Pakistani, 92 China nationals, 39 Vietnamese, 10 Indians, three from Thailand and 24 other nationals.
“We will continue taking action against illegal immigrants and will not compromise on anyone harbouring or hiring illegal immigrants,” said Sitti.
Employees found hiring or harbouring illegal immigrants can be fined up to RM50,000, jailed and caned under the Immigration Act 1959/63.
