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Kota Kinabalu: Federation of Chinese Associations Sabah (FCAS) President cum member of the Sabah Economic Advisory Council (SEAC), Tan Sri T.C Goh, said while Sabah welcomes foreign nationals for various purposes, they must respect and comply with local laws and policies.

Goh urged agents, intermediaries and employers facilitating foreigners’ entry to ensure they understand and adhere to local regulations, including visa duration limits. 

His statement came in the wake of a recent “Ops Mahir” by the Immigration Department in Semporna where 61 foreign nationals, including 36 Chinese tourists, were detained for various immigration violations.

Sabah Immigration Director Datuk Sharifah Sitti Saleha Habib Yussof said the detainees, aged 19 to 64, were held for lacking valid identification, overstaying and misusing tourist visas. 

Chinese tourists were found to have overstayed since May, with suspicions of unauthorised work at a local resort.

Authorities are investigating under multiple sections of the Immigration Act and Regulations, including potential charges against those responsible for facilitating illegal entry and employment.

Goh acknowledged that such incidents occur occasionally across Malaysia and stressed the Government’s commitment to continued enforcement operations.

He highlighted Malaysia and Sabah’s rapid development and the need to attract investments, professionals and tourists, including through the Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) programme.

Goh emphasised the non-negotiable importance of respecting and complying with national laws and policies, alongside international laws governing the global community.