KOTA KINABALU: Aug 7, 2025 – Ten Filipino illegal immigrants were detained during Operation Todak conducted around SAFMA, the Kota Kinabalu Central Market and nearby waters.
The integrated operation was coordinated by the Kota Kinabalu City Hall (DBKK) in collaboration with the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), Immigration Department of Malaysia (JIM), Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA), Marine Department of Malaysia Sabah Region, and Sabah Fish Marketing Sdn Bhd (SAFMA).
On land, JIM inspected 521 individuals before detaining all 10 illegal immigrants, who were subsequently sent to the Kota Kinabalu Immigration Detention Depot for further action. DBKK also compounded two hawkers for operating businesses without valid licences in the SAFMA and Central Market areas, in addition to seizing a motorcycle and several business equipment.
At sea, the Marine Department of Malaysia Sabah Region, in collaboration with MMEA, inspected four boats, with the licence of one boat seized due to expired identification documents of its foreign crew members.
MMEA also deployed two maritime assets involving 14 personnel to inspect a Local Fishing Vessel (VNT), where seven crew members were checked before being handed over to JIM for further action.
According to DBKK, integrated enforcement operations will continue to be intensified periodically to ensure Kota Kinabalu remains a clean, safe, orderly and liveable city.
