KUCHING: Kuching police carried out a coordinated Op Sekat where a total of 78 undocumented migrants and one local man were arrested during the operation, with ages ranging from nine months to 56 years.
Kuching police chief ACP Alexson Naga Chabu said the detainees comprised of 59 men, 15 women, one male child, and three female children. Of these, 62 were Indonesian nationals and 16 were Bangladeshi nationals.
According to him, 67 of the undocumented migrants were found to have committed offences under Section 6(1)(c) and Section 15(1)(c) of the Immigration Act 1959/63. The local man tested positive for drugs was under Section 15(1)(a) of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952
He said the operation started on Tuesday night from 10 pm to 6 am, targeting undocumented migrants in identified hotspot areas including industrial zones, construction sites, and squatter settlements.
The operation involved 215 personnel, comprising 30 officers and 185 members from the Kuching District Police Headquarters, General Operations Force Battalion 11 Batu Kawa, Immigration Department, and National Registration Department.
“The integrated operation aimed to detect, arrest, and take legal action against undocumented migrants under the Immigration Act 1959/63 and other related laws and is part of our ongoing effort to reduce the influx and presence of undocumented migrants, strengthen security control, and ensure socio-economic stability and public safety, he said.
He added that it was also conducted in response to several housebreaking and robbery cases in areas where undocumented migrants are suspected to be involved.
Alexson called to member of the public to give information on issue of illegal activities to police.
By Connie Chieng