LABUAN, The Immigration Department arrested 13 illegal immigrants in two separate operations here on Monday and Wednesday.

Labuan Immigration director Raymond Entalai said the 12 Filipino women and one Pakistani man were detained in operations conducted at seven premises on the duty-free island.

The suspects are being investigated under the Immigration Act 1959/63 (Act 155) and Regulation 39b of the Immigration Regulations 1963, he told Bernama today.

Raymond said the detainees have been placed at the Labuan police station lock-up and Labuan Immigration Department Depot.

He advised employers to comply with the law by hiring only foreign nationals with valid documents.

‘The Immigration Department will not compromise with any foreign nationals who enter and stay in this country without valid travel documents and those who misuse social visit passes,’ he added.

He said under Section 55B of the Immigration Act 1959/63 (Act 155), employers found guilty can be fined between RM10,000 and RM50,000 or imprisoned
for up to 12 months or both for each person illegally employed.

He also emphasised that strict action will be taken against anyone who harbours illegal immigrants.

The public can provide information on the presence of suspicious foreign nationals in their area by calling 087-421 296 or contacting the Public Complaints Management System (SISPAA) at https://imi.spab.gov.my/eApps/system/index.do or via email at pro_labuan@imi.gov.my.

Source: BERNAMA News Agency