Sabah Immigration Department Arrests 238 in Illegal Worker Crackdown

Sabah Immigration Department Cracks Down on Illegal Workers: 238 Detained in Major Sweep Sabah, Malaysia – June 4, 2025 – In a significant operation targeting illegal foreign workers, the Sabah Immigration Department arrested 238 individuals in a series of raids across the state. The operation focused on squatter settlements and businesses suspected of employing undocumented workers (PATI). The raids took place in the early hours of June 4th. "The operation was a success," stated Datuk SH Sitti Saleha Habib Yusof, Director of Sabah Immigration. "We targeted areas known for employing PATI, and the results reflect the ongoing commitment to enforcing immigration laws." The 238 detainees comprised 88 adult males, 88 adult females, 30 boys, and 32 girls. Charges ranged from lacking proper documentation to overstaying their visas. This operation is part of a larger effort; since the beginning of the year, over 2730 PATI have been detained in Sabah, with 53 employers also facing legal repercussions. The Sabah Immigration Department's commitment to tackling illegal immigration highlights the importance of maintaining legal and orderly immigration practices. The ongoing operations demonstrate a proactive approach to addressing this issue.