SANDAKAN : A total of 790 illegal immigrants were deported to the Philippines here last night.
The Filipinos, aged between eight days to 70 years old, boarded the MV Antonia 1 vessel to Zamboanga, said Sabah National Security Council (MKN) director Datuk Rodzi Md Saad.
He said this year, a total of 1,567 illegal immigrants have been deported from the state.
“Last year, a total of 13,450 individuals were expelled from Sabah,” he told reporters aboard the ship last night.
Rodzi said since 1990, Sabah has deported a total of 566,191 illegal immigrants, including those who chose to return home voluntarily.
He said the high number of deported individuals reflected the state government’s commitment in tackling illegal immigration.
Rodzi also said the latest batch of deportees were allowed to rest in beds as well as given food.
“The government and MKN always act based on the legal provisions and standard operating procedure stated.
“Sabah MKN will not stop its efforts to achieve a ‘zero illegal immigrant’ target for the state,” he said, adding that MKN would not compromise with anyone towards this end.