NINETEEN undocumented foreigners were arrested in a late night joint operation targeting squatter areas in Kampung Tebongon, Putatan, on Friday.
Penampang District Police Chief Supt Sammy Newton said the operation till 2am on Saturday involved the Sabah Immigration and National Registration departments.
“A total of 53 people (20 males and 33 females) were screened.
“The operation involved 39 Penampang police officers and personnel, nine Sabah Immigration enforcement officers and five Sabah NRD officers,” he said.
He said they were detained under Section 6(1)(c) of the Immigration Act 1953/63 and handed over to the Sabah Immigration Department for further action.
“The police and other enforcement agencies will routinely carry out such operation in an effort to curb the influx of illegal immigrants, especially in the Penampang district.
“Employers found to be harbouring or employing foreigners can be fined up to RM50,000 under Section 56(1)(d) of the Immigration Act 1959/63 and Section 55B of the same Act,” he said.
