15 Migrants Held In Labuan Immigration Crackdown

LABUAN, Oct 3 (Bernama) -- The Labuan Immigration Department detained 15 undocumented migrants in a pre-dawn enforcement operation across several settlements on the duty-free island today.

The operation, carried out by the Intelligence and Operations Complaints Unit of the department’s Enforcement Division, screened 38 individuals before arresting 15 for suspected offences under Section 6(1)(c) of the Immigration Act 1959/63 (Act 155).

Labuan Immigration director Raymond Entalai said those detained comprised four men, three women, three girls and four boys, all Filipinos, as well as one Indonesian man. They were aged between one and 39.

“All detainees have been taken to the Labuan Immigration Enforcement Division office for documentation and further investigation,” he told Bernama.

He said enforcement operations would continue to target foreigners who violate national laws, including the Immigration Act 1959/63, Passport Act 1966, Immigration Regulations 1963, and the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Act 2007 (ATIPSOM).

“Strict action will also be taken against employers or individuals who harbour undocumented migrants,” he said.

The public can provide information on undocumented migrants by calling 087-421296, using the Public Complaints Management System (SISPAA) at https://imi.spab.gov.my/eApps/system/index.do, or emailing pro_labuan@imi.gov.my.

--BERNAMA