KOTA KINABALU: July 31, 2026 – A total of 44 foreign nationals have been arrested in enforcement operations conducted by the Sabah Immigration Department across Kota Kinabalu, Keningau and Tawau on Monday
During the operations, 179 individuals were screened, with 44 foreigners detained on suspicion of various immigration offences, including failure to possess valid documents and violation of pass conditions under the Immigration Act 1959/63.
In Kota Kinabalu, Operations “Ajar” and “Gegar” screened 13 individuals, resulting in the arrest of four foreigners – one adult male Italian national and three adult female Chinese nationals.
In Tawau, Operations “Selera” and “Sapu” screened 97 individuals, with 34 foreigners detained. Those arrested comprised 14 Filipino nationals (13 adult males and one adult female) and 20 Indonesian nationals (11 adult males, five adult females, two male children and two female children).
In Keningau, Operations “Jaja” and “Kutip” screened 69 individuals, with six foreigners detained. The arrests involved four Filipino nationals (two adult males, one adult female and one female child) and two adult female Indonesian nationals.
The Sabah Immigration Department said enforcement operations would continue to be stepped up periodically to curb the presence of undocumented migrants and ensure compliance with the country’s immigration laws.
