The five illegal immigrants that were caught entering Sarawak in Biawak, Lundu, flanked by two Army personnel.
KUCHING (Aug 23): A total of ten Indonesians were deported back to their country after they were caught entering Sarawak illegally during three separate operations under ‘Op Benteng’ yesterday (Aug 22).
First Malaysian Infantry Division (1 Div) in a statement today said the first operation was conducted at 2.45pm, where five illegal immigrants including a woman were caught near the Malaysia-Indonesia border in Biawak, Lundu.
“All five of them did not possess valid travel documents and said the purpose of them entering Sarawak is to search for jobs,” it said.
The second operation was conducted at 7.15pm, where three individuals were found walking from the border to enter Malaysia illegally via a plantation area at Tetangga Akrab, Balai Ringin.
The third operation took place at 9.45pm where a team carrying out an ambush managed to detain two illegal immigrants who entered the country from Indonesia at Jalan Ensawang, Lubok Antu.
After they were apprehended, the illegal immigrants stated that they wanted to collect garden produce in Malaysia, 1 Div said.
“All illegal immigrants were detained and deported from the country and police report was lodged for further action,” 1 Div added.
“The Army personnel especially in Sarawak are committed to shoulder the responsibility to continue the Op Benteng initiative in an effort to prevent illegal immigrants entering Sarawak as well as cross-border criminal activities at all times.”