LABUAN, Nov 12 — Twelve Filipino nationals, including six children, were detained for suspected immigration offences during an enforcement operation on this duty-free island early today.

Labuan Immigration Department director Mohd Redzuan Nawi said the operation, codenamed Op Sapu, was conducted from 11pm yesterday to 1.30am today, involving 15 officers who inspected 84 individuals at several locations, including a residential settlement.

He said those inspected comprised 51 Malaysians, 31 Filipinos and two Indonesians.

“The 12 Filipinos detained comprised one man, five women, four boys and two girls, all suspected of offences under Section 6(1)(c) of the Immigration Act 1959/63,” he told Bernama today.

Mohd Redzuan said two witness summonses were also issued to assist investigations.

Those detained are being held at the Labuan Immigration Depot and Labuan district police headquarters for further investigation and action.

Mohd Redzuan said the department would continue enforcing the Immigration Act 1959/63, Passports Act 1966, Immigration Regulations 1963 and Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Act 2007 (Atipsom).

He also warned that action would be taken against anyone found employing or harbouring undocumented migrants.

Members of the public with information on illegal immigrants can contact the department at 087-421 296, submit complaints through the Public Complaints Management System (SISPAA) at https://imi.spab.gov.my/eApps/system/index.do, or email pro_labuan@imi.gov.my. — Bernama