An immigration offender who was once deported from Brunei Darussalam was detained after officers from the Law Enforcement Section of the National Registration & Immigration Department raided a rented room in Kg Salambigar.
According to officers, the suspect returned to the Sultanate using a different name and his immigration pass was expired more than seven years ago.
During the operation codenamed Operasi Cekap JIPK 126/2010′, officers found two sewing machines and some `Baju Melayu’ and Baju Kurong’ (clothing) in the suspect’s room.
It is believed that he was sewing clothes for his regular customers as Hari Raya festivity is just around the corner.
After investigations have been completed, the suspect will be brought to court.
In a separate raid, two foreigners were detained after they failed to produce any valid travel documentation such as immigration passes, ICs and passports. They are currently being held at the police station in the capital.
One of them was found hiding under his bed when officers carried out the raid. It is believed that he has been staying in Brunei with an expired pass since October 2009.
Under Chapter 15(1) of the Immigration Act Sub-Section 17, those who are found guilty of overstaying in the country with an expired immigration pass can be slapped with a compound fine of $600.
Offenders who have overstayed for less than 90 days may be imprisoned for up to six months and/or fined not more than $4,000. As for those who remained in the country illegally for more than 90 days, they face a jail term ranging between three months and two years. They will also get at least three strokes of the cane.
Under Chapter 12(12)(C) of the Passport Act – Passport Subsection 146, those found guilty of using a fictitious identity or impersonating another person’s identity may be fined not more than $10,000 and imprisoned for not more than five years.
Those with any information on immigration offenders can call hotlines 2383555 (Brunei-Muara), 3341938 (Belait), 5221222 (Temburong) and 4221977 (Tutong).
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