Five Nabbed In 'Ops Basmi 63'
By MK Anwar & CT Hj Mahmod

Bandar Seri Begawan - Twenty six personnel from the Immigration Enforcement Unit led by the Senior Chief Immigration Officer took part in 'Ops Basmi 63', which was held from 12am to 6am yesterday morning. Five were netted in the raid for various immigration offences.

A total of 26 foreigners were brought back to the Immigration Department after failing to provide appropriate travel and work documents. The foreigners were rounded up from eight targeted areas in Kg Batang Mitus, Kg Kulapis, Mukim Berakas and Mukim Kota Batu.

An illegal immigrant from Malaysia was amongst the five rounded up for immigration offences. He was previously caught for similar offences in August 2002.

For his first offence, he was fined $1,500 and deported. He was again charged under Chapter 6 (1) (c) of the Immigration Act.

Another Malaysian couple was also rounded up during the raid in Bengkurong. During the inspection, the Malaysian man, who is a Muslim, tried to hide under a mattress.

He and his partner confessed that they are not married. Both foreigners were given special passes while their case is being investigated further by the religious authorities for khalwat.

An Indonesian and three Bangladeshi were the other four immigration offenders found to have overstayed in the country after their immigration passes expired. The immigration passes of two of the Bangladeshis had expired last year. All of them will be charged under Chapter 16 (1) of the Immigration Act.

The rest of the foreigners brought in yesterday morning were released after their respective employers produced their immigration documents. Four are still being detained at the BSB Police Station awaiting the proper papers to be brought in by their employers.

Senior Chief Immigration Officer at the Immigration Enforcement Unit thanked the public for their cooperation and noted that the cooperation will indirectly have a positive impact in preserving the peace and prosperity of the country.

Those with information on immigration offenders are advised to call the Enforcement Unit hotline at 2383555 or 2383777. -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

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