KOTA KINABALU: July 27, 2026 – A total of 139 foreign nationals were detained during a series of enforcement operations carried out around Kota Kinabalu on Saturday, conducted under “Ops Bersama” in coordination with other enforcement agencies and “Ops Sapu” mounted by the Enforcement Division of the Sabah Immigration Department.
Over the course of the operations, 247 individuals were screened, of whom 139 foreign nationals were held on suspicion of committing offences under Section 6(1)(c) and Section 15(1)(c) of the Immigration Act 1959/63.
Those detained comprised 32 adult males, 41 adult females, 30 boys and 26 girls – all Filipino nationals – as well as 10 adult females from Vietnam.
According to the Sabah Immigration Department, the operations were part of ongoing efforts to curb the presence of undocumented migrants and to ensure compliance with immigration laws in Sabah.
The department also stressed that firm action would continue to be taken against any individuals or parties found to be harbouring or employing undocumented migrants, and urged the public to channel information regarding the presence of unauthorised foreign nationals in their areas.
