KOTA KINABALU: Immigration personnel detained more than 100 foreigners for various immigration violations during a two-day operation in the east coast district of Sandakan.
Three locals were also arrested on suspicion of employing foreigners without valid travel passes.
Immigration deputy director-general (operations) Jafri Embok Taha stated that 219 individuals were screened during the exercise, which began on Wednesday (Oct 2).
He confirmed that 121 foreigners were detained for breaching numerous immigration laws, while the three locals were arrested under Section 55(B) of the Immigration Act 1959/63.
The detainees, aged between 12 months and 65 years, include 46 men, 36 women, and 32 children.
"The detainees will be placed at the Sandakan immigration depot," he said in a statement on Thursday (Oct 3).
Jafri noted that some foreigners attempted to flee during the operation but were apprehended by his team.
"There were no untoward incidents," he added, expressing gratitude to the 64 officers and personnel from the Sandakan Immigration office for their efforts in the operation.
