KOTA KINABALU: A Sabah Immigration Department programme held with the cooperation of the Indonesian Republic Consulate General has seen 342 Indonesians deported back to their home country on Wednesday (Oct 12) and Thursday (Oct 13).
In a statement, Sabah Immigration director Datuk SH Sitti Saleha Habib Yusoff said the illegal immigrants returned via a sea route from Tawau port to Nunukan Port, Indonesia.
They were escorted aboard the vessels Mid East Express 1 and Malindo Express 2.
“This involved 252 men, 62 women, 16 boys and 12 girls.
“The transfer on the first day involved 135 individuals from the Tawau Immigration depot.
“The remaining 207 were deported on the second day, involving three other Immigration depots in Kota Kinabalu, Papar and Sandakan districts,” she said.
She reminded immigrants to ensure they have valid travel documents and work permits if seeking employment in Sabah before entering the country to avoid stern action being taken against them.