Sarawak Immigration raids detain 74 foreigners in Kuching

KUCHING: Two premises suspected of being used for online scam activities were among eight locations raided by the Sarawak Immigration Department during a two-day operation here.

The department said 74 foreigners, comprising 45 men and 29 women, were detained during ‘Ops Mahir’ and ‘Ops Sapu’ on Oct 15 and 16.

“Of those detained, 63 were Indonesians, 10 were Chinese nationals, and one was Cambodian.

“Several computers and mobile phones were also seized from the two premises suspected of being linked to online scams to assist further investigations,” it said.

The department said a total of 79 individuals were screened during the operations, which involved 30 enforcement officers and personnel.

The raids were carried out at eight separate locations around Kuching, including residential premises, terrace houses and rented rooms suspected of housing foreigners who violated immigration laws.

The department said the offences identified included violations under Sections 6(1)(c) and 15(1)(c) of the Immigration Act 1959/63, as well as relevant provisions under the Immigration Regulations 1963.

Two Form 29 notices were also issued during the operations.

The department said it would continue conducting enforcement operations to ensure compliance with immigration laws and curb illegal activities involving foreigners in Sarawak.

It also urged members of the public to report suspicious activities to the authorities to help safeguard public safety and security.

Immigration officers raid a premises suspected of being used for online scams in Kuching. Photo: Sarawak Immigration