TAFEP Hero 2025 Aug
113,282 foreigners have been registered in Sabah's centralised digital registry so far: KESUMA

113,282 foreigners have been registered in Sabah's centralised digital registry so far: KESUMA

The digital registry is expected to be expanded, to include foreigners in the agriculture, manufacturing, mining, quarrying, and services sectors.

The Main Committee for the Management of Foreigners in Sabah (JKPWAS-Induk) held its first meeting of 2025 on 14 August 2025 (Thursday), co-chaired by the Chief Minister of Sabah and the Minister of Interior. The session brought together representatives from the Federal Government and the Sabah State Government to strengthen cooperation in addressing issues related to foreigners in the state. 

A key focus of the meeting was the development of the Sabah State Government’s centralised digital registry, which has recorded 113,282 foreigners. This system is not intended to grant citizenship, but rather to support monitoring, detection, and systematic policy planning, the Ministry of Human Resources (KESUMA) said.

Since early 2025, a total of 162 enforcement operations have been carried out, resulting in 4,068 arrests for various offences. The meeting agreed to continue and expand the digital registry to include the agriculture, manufacturing, mining, quarrying, and services sectors. Registered foreigners in these sectors will also be granted enforcement moratoriums.

Speaking at the meeting, YBhg. Datuk Azman Bin Mohd Yusof, Secretary-General, KESUMA, emphasised the importance of an integrated approach to ensure safety, social harmony, and economic development, in line with the principles of Malaysia MADANI’s Welfare and Inclusion pillar.

Both the Federal and State Governments reaffirmed their commitment to implementing a holistic and sustainable strategy to safeguard public welfare and ensure the long-term development of the state.


READ MORE: KESUMA opens employment centre and HRD Corp office in Sabah to boost human capital

Lead image / KESUMA Facebook

Follow us on Telegram and on Instagram @humanresourcesonline for all the latest HR and manpower news from around the region!

Free newsletter

Get the daily lowdown on Asia's top Human Resources stories.

We break down the big and messy topics of the day so you're updated on the most important developments in Asia's Human Resources development – for free.

subscribe now open in new window