KOTA KINABALU: Immigration personnel arrested Filipinos, Indonesians and Pakistanis who were found to be in Sabah illegally following a four-day operation across several districts from Oct 20 to 23.
Throughout the raids in Kota Kinabalu, Kudat, Keningau, Ranau, Lahad Datu and Semporna, officers inspected 255 people and nabbed 93 of them.
Those detained comprised 39 adult Filipinos and 25 children, 11 adult Indonesians and seven children as well as 11 adult Pakistani nationals.
The Immigration Department said the operation was part of its ongoing crackdown against illegal immigrants in the state, adding that enforcement would be enhanced in strategic and hotspot areas.
It said the department would consistently conduct enforcement programmes to ensure that citizens and non-citizens abide by national immigration laws.
It warned that Malaysians found harbouring, hiring, protecting or assisting illegal immigrants would face legal action.
The department urged the public to report any suspected harbouring or hiring of illegal immigrants via the public complaints management system (SISPAA) at https://spab.gov.my or the online inquiry system (SPO) at https://eapp.imi.gov.my.
In a separate event, an outreach community awareness campaign against human trafficking and forced labour was held at Kampung Litang, Kinabatangan on Saturday (Oct 24).
The programme, officiated by Labour Department deputy director Baharuddin Mamat, featured workshops and talks conducted by representatives from agencies including the police and Immigration Department.
Community members were educated on foreign worker regulations, forced labour prevention and laws pertaining to the employment of foreign labour.
The event also included the signing of a pledge to combat human trafficking, human exploitation and forced labour by Hap Seng Plantations as a sign of commitment to the initiative.
The public can follow the Sabah Immigration Department on TikTok (@imigresensabah), Instagram (@imigresensabah) or Facebook (@imigresensabah).
