LABUAN: The Labuan Immigration Department detained 20 undocumented migrant workers at three construction sites as part of a nationwide initiative.
Labuan Immigration Director Raymond Entalai said the simultaneous operation was carried out with the involvement of 32 personnel from the Immigration Department, Royal Malaysian Police and the National Registration Department (NRD).
He said 48 individuals were inspected, with most found to possess valid travel documents, including “clearance letters” issued by the Sabah Immigration Department.
window.googletag = window.googletag || {cmd: []};googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.defineSlot('/22826383987/dailyexpress_inline', [1, 1], 'gpt-passback').addService(googletag.pubads());googletag.enableServices();googletag.display('gpt-passback');});“However, 20 individuals, comprising Philippine nationals (including a woman) and one Indonesian were detained for lacking valid documentation.
“The individuals detained, aged between 15 and 60, are being investigated under Section 6(1)(c) of the Immigration Act 1959/63 (Act 155), which prohibits non-citizens from entering or staying in Malaysia without a valid pass or permit,” Raymond said at the operation site at Jalan Patau-Patau, here, on Wednesday.
He said the investigations would also be extended under Section 39(b) of the Births and Deaths Registration Act 1957 (Revised 1983), to ensure compliance with national registration standards.
Raymond said the detained individuals have been placed at a temporary immigration depot for further investigation.
In addition, he said, three employers suspected of hiring the undocumented workers would be summoned by the authorities under Form 29.
Raymond reminded employers to strictly adhere to immigration laws and to consult the department for guidance before employing foreign workers.
“This operation reflects our ongoing commitment to enforcing immigration regulations and ensuring that all foreign workers in Malaysia comply with the legal entry and employment requirements,” he said.
The operation forms part of continuous efforts by immigration authorities to identify and act on areas with suspected non-compliance.
