KUCHING, June 28 — The Sarawak Immigration Department detained 18 foreign nationals during a joint operation with the Padawan Municipal Council (MPP) around Mile 10, Kota Padawan, on Friday.

According to a statement from the department, the operation ran from 6 pm to 11 pm and involved inspections of seven premises and shops suspected of operating online gambling and renting out rooms.

“A total of 26 foreign nationals were checked to verify their travel documents and immigration status.

“The operation resulted in the detention of 18 Indonesian nationals, comprising eight men and 10 women,” the statement said here yesterday.

The suspects are believed to have committed offences under Section 15(1)© and Section 6(1)(c) of the Immigration Act 1959/63, and Regulation 11(7)(a) of the Immigration Regulations 1959/63.

All those detained have been taken to the Immigration Detention Depot for further investigation and action. — Bernama