TAWAU: Some 124 Indonesians were repatriated to their country via sea through Tawau Port on Thursday.
Sabah Immigration Director Datuk SH Sitti Saleha Habib Yusoff said they comprised 106 men, 14 women and four children aged 12 and below who were sent home with their parents or guardians.
She said the repatriation programme was implemented in collaboration with the Consulate of the Republic of Indonesia (KRI) in Tawau.
“They were sent directly to Nunukan Port, Tunon Taka Terminal, Indonesia by sea via Mid East Express,” she added.
She said the transfer involved 42 detainees from the Kota Kinabalu Immigration Depot, 30 from the Papar Immigration Depot and 52 from the Sandakan Immigration Depot.
“They were detained for committing various offences under the Immigration Act 1959/63 and the Immigration Regulations 1963,” she added in a statement.
Sh Sitti reminded all foreigners to make sure they have valid travel documents and work permits that allow them to work in the State before entering the country.
She also reminded employers to ensure that their employees have valid documents and work passes before they are employed.
“Those who fail to comply with the rules and laws of the country will face strict action in accordance with the existing laws,” she said, adding all enforcement agencies throughout Sabah would work together to carry out enforcement operations continuously from time to time.
* Follow us on Instagram and join our Telegram and/or WhatsApp channel(s) for the latest news you don't want to miss.
* Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available.