KOTA BARU: Three children were among 19 undocumented migrants detained by the state Immigration department in its operation codenamed Ops Kutip.
The 10-day operation which ended on March 10, covered areas in Machang and Kota Baru.
Kelantan Immigration Department director Mohd Faizal Shamsudin said the operation in Kota Baru was conducted at the KB Mall hypermarket and a sundry shop in Kampung Perol, and in a few worker's quarters in Temangan in Machang.
"The operation started at 8am on March 1 and ended at 4am on March 10.
"During the operation, we detained 19 foreigners including three children and two adult women," he said in a statement.
He added the 19 were from various countries which included Cambodia, Pakistan and Syria.
"They were detained for various offences under the Immigration Act such as overstaying and entering the country illegally," he added.
Faizal said the children, aged between 7 and 12, as well as the 16 foreigners have been sent to its detention centre in Tanah Merah for further action.
He said the department would continue to carry out similar operations from time to time to nab undocumented migrants.
"We will not compromise with those who have breached the law and will not hesitate to take stern action against those found violating the rules," he said.