Sabah Immigration repatriates 4,750 undocumented migrants so far this year

Tawau, August 21 — In the first half of the year, Malaysia's Sabah Immigration Department has successfully repatriated a total of 4,750 undocumented migrants to their home countries. According to a recent statement, Filipinos comprised the majority, with 3,008 individuals being sent back to their homeland. Indonesians followed closely with 1,478, while Pakistanis, Chinese, Vietnamese, and 19 others accounted for 118, 109, 18, and unspecified numbers, respectively.

The department also mentioned that 144 Indonesian nationals were recently repatriated via a commercial ferry route. These detainees ranged in age from three to 68, including 107 adult men, 26 adult women, four boys, and seven girls who were all accompanied by their parents or escorts. They had completed their sentences and had obtained valid Travel Documents in Lieu of Passport (SPLP) before their transfer from detention depots in Kota Kinabalu, Papar, and Sandakan.

The Sabah Immigration Department emphasized the importance of vigilance among community members, urging them to refrain from protecting or employing illegal immigrants and to report any suspicious activities through official channels such as the Public Complaints Management System (SISPAA) portal or the Online Enquiry System (SPO).