Masterminds behind the influx of illegal immigrants into the state will be hunted down, said Deputy Home Minister Mohd Azis Jamman.

He said the coastal area in the east of Sabah, stretching over 1,700km, has contributed to the existence of "rat trails" (hidden trails) to sneak in illegals into the state.

“This has been our long-standing obstacle in dealing with the entry of illegals into the state," Mohd Azis said after an enforcement operation carried out by the Sabah Immigration Department in Kota Kinabalu yesterday.

“These people will be hunted down and if they are found to be involved with the illegals, stern action will be taken against them.” 

Sabah Immigration director Muhamad Sade Mohamad Amin was also present at during the operation.

Mohd Azis, who is also Sepanggar MP, said the police and Immigration Department knew some of the rat trails often used by illegals.

“Due to the wide expanse of the coastal area in the east of Sabah, this has contributed to the existence of new rat trails that we have to locate and close, to prevent illegals from entering the state,” he said.

Mohd Azis also said throughout last year, the Sabah Immigration Department had carried out 1,199 enforcement operations and 28,555 illegals were inspected.

He said of the total, 4,180 illegals and 23 employers were arrested, while 12,230 others were deported back to their countries of origin. — Bernama