Kuala kedah: The Kedah Immigration Department arrested 81 undocumented migrants during Ops Sapu at a construction site in Kuala Kedah yesterday. The department said the operation, which began at 9.50 am, was carried out following intelligence gathering and public tip-offs, and involved 19 officers from its Immigration Action Unit under the Enforcement Division.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, 127 individuals, comprising Malaysians and foreign nationals, were inspected during the operation. The department stated that 81 undocumented migrants were arrested, comprising 73 men and eight women, namely 42 Bangladeshis, 26 Indonesians, 10 Myanmar nationals, one Pakistani, and two Indians. The arrests are linked to suspected offences under the Immigration Act 1959/63 and the Immigration Regulations 1963, including entering and remaining in Malaysia without valid passes or permits, overstaying, and breaching the conditions of their passes.

During the same operation, a witness summons (Form 29) was issued to facilitate investigations. The undocumented migrants were subsequently taken to the department for documentation before being placed at an immigration depot for further investigation and action.

The department emphasized that enforcement operations would continue on an ongoing basis without compromise to curb the presence of undocumented migrants in the state. They warned that stern action would be taken against any employer or individual found employing or harbouring foreign nationals in violation of immigration laws. They also urged members of the public with information on the presence of undocumented migrants or breaches of immigration laws to contact the Kedah Immigration Department via phone, email, or through the Public Complaints Management System (SISPAA).