Labuan: The Immigration Department (JIM) detained 20 foreign nationals during a series of operations at six separate locations here on Thursday and today (Friday).

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Labuan director Mohd Redzuan Nawi stated that the operations, named Op Mahir, Op Kutip, and Op Bersepadu, targeted various locations, including settlements and construction sites suspected of harboring illegal immigrants. These operations, carried out from 3.30 pm to 6 pm yesterday and from 12.30 am to 3.30 am today, involved 41 personnel from several agencies. These comprised 23 JIM officers, six National Registration Department (JPN) officers, and 12 Malaysian Volunteer Corps (RELA) members.

Mohd Redzuan reported that 215 individuals were inspected, resulting in the arrest of 20 foreign nationals. The detainees included 10 Indonesian men, six Filipino men, three Filipina women, and two Filipino boys. They were detained for allegedly violating Section 6(1)(c) of the Immigration Act 1959/63 (Act 155) and the Immigration Regulations 1963.

He further mentioned that the detainees are currently being held at the Labuan district police headquarters and Labuan Immigration Depot for investigation and further action. Additionally, two summons notices were issued during the operations to aid in further investigations.

Mohd Redzuan emphasized that JIM will persist in taking strict action against anyone found violating the Immigration Act 1959/63, Passport Act 1966, Immigration Regulations 1963, and the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Act 2007 (ATIPSOM). He warned that severe measures would also be enforced against those employing or harboring illegal immigrants.