Ever since the 1970s, Malaysia has witnessed huge and continuous influx of illegal immigrants due to the proximity of neighbouring countries. Prosperous Malaysia became the attraction of many poor people, it still is now. East Malaysia was hardest hit then, but the issue was surreptitiously subdued because of the silent head-nodding of the government. Indeed, a number of them were even given blue identity cards.

There was never a clear-cut policy as to what ought to be done to legalise the illegal immigrants. One day, thousands were deported. The next night, thousands crept in again. This hide-and-seek game continues under the eyes of the immigration department.

While, one cannot blame the illegals entirely for the increase of crime rate in some states of Malaysia, their shady activities should not be conveniently ignored too. The police force and the immigration officers must join hand to curb such negative influence sincerely. Just paying lip services now and then is both naive and useless.

Actions certainly speak louder than words.