SANDAKAN: The Sabah Immigration Department (JIM) detained 121 undocumented migrants (PATI) and three Malaysian citizens in an Immigration Enforcement Operation here today.
The operation targeted individuals suspected for violating immigration laws. The three locals were detained under Section 55(B) of the Immigration Act 1959/63, which applies to harbouring or employing illegal immigrants.
State deputy Immigration director (Operations), Jafri Embok Taha, said officers inspected 219 individuals during the two-day operation which concluded today.
"Those detained ranged from 12 months to 65 years old and comprised 46 men, 36 women, and 32 children.
"The detainees will be placed in the Sandakan Immigration Detention Depot for investigation and further action," he said today.
He added that several foreign nationals attempted to flee during the operation.
However, all attempts were thwarted, and the operation concluded without any unforeseen incidents.