RANAU: Swift action by the Sabah Malaysian Immigration Department (JIM Sabah) bore fruit after 71 undocumented migrants were detained in two simultaneous operations in Ranau and Sandakan.
In Sandakan, the enforcement team moved in a surprise operation as early as 1.35 am through Ops Sapu, dismantling five hideouts of undocumented migrants in Kampung Ulu Dusun, Kampung Bimbim, Gum-Gum Kuari 7, Kuari 2 and Flat Taman Sejati.
The midnight raid saw 83 individuals inspected, while 50 undocumented migrants were arrested, including 25 children.
Meanwhile in Ranau, 14 Immigration officers together with RELA members stormed three hot spots following intelligence and public complaints, yielding results when 21 Filipinos were detained after 24 individuals were inspected.
Overall, 107 individuals were screened in both operations, with 71 undocumented migrants (68 Filipinos and three Indonesians) now detained under Section 6(1)(c) of the Immigration Act 1959/63 for further investigation.
JIM Sabah stressed that it will not stop raiding undocumented migrant dens and called on the public to continue channelling information through the SISPAA and SPO portals to help defend the country’s sovereignty.
