KOTA KINABALU, Oct 13 (Bernama) -- The Sabah Immigration Department has repatriated 5,915 illegal immigrants to their countries of origin to date under its detainee transfer programme this year.
The department said in a statement that Filipinos formed the highest number at 3,974, followed by Indonesians (1,629), Pakistanis (132), Chinese nationals (132), Vietnamese (25) and other nationalities (23).
The latest exercise involved 280 Filipino detainees sent from the Tawau Immigration Depot to the Port of Bongao in the Philippines by commercial ferry via the Lahad Datu Immigration, Customs, Quarantine and Security (ICQS) Complex.
"The detainees comprise 193 men, 51 women, 16 boys and 20 girls, aged between one month and 90 years," the statement said.
The department noted that all 36 children involved in the repatriation were accompanied by their parents or guardians.
All the detainees had served their sentences under the law and possessed valid travel documents before being sent home.
The department also urged the public not to harbour or employ illegal immigrants, and to report related activities immediately through official channels, including the Public Complaints Management System (SISPAA) and the Online Enquiry System (SPO).
-- BERNAMA