KUCHING: The Sarawak Immigration Department arrested seven foreign men in separate locations in Miri and Kuching for allegedly overstaying and lacking valid permits to stay in Malaysia.

In Miri, an operation codenamed ‘Op Sapu’ was conducted at a foreign settlement in Bekenu on Sunday morning (May 5).

Acting on complaints and information, the team raided the remote settlement and inspected seven individuals for their documentation.

Of these, five were taken into custody for overstaying and lacking valid permits to stay in the country. The case is being investigated under Section 6(1)(c) and Section 15(1)(c) of the Immigration Act 1959/63.

Meanwhile in Kuching, the department also conducted a series of operations around the city yesterday (May 6) after receiving complaints on the presence of foreigners working without valid permits.

The operation targeted several locations that were categorised as hotspots, such as textile shops, grocery stores, second-hand goods shops, beauty salons and random areas at a tourist attraction spot.

A total of 33 individuals were inspected for their documentation and two foreigners were arrested for offences under the Immigration Act 1959/63.

The Sarawak Immigration Department assured that it will intensify efforts to track down foreign nationals violating the immigration law.

Foreigners intending to work in Sarawak, are advised to apply for the appropriate work permits in accordance with Malaysian law provisions.

The public is advised to report any information regarding the presence of undocumented migrants in their areas through online channels or directly to the nearest Immigration Enforcement Office.

Reports can be submitted via email to aduanpati_hq@imi.gov.my, through the website at https://imi.spab.gov.my or calling the hotline at 03-88801347.