I am sure the majority of readers share Macca's views Spare the rod and spoil the illegals? (Jan 22) in reply to Irene Fernandez's letter ( Immigrants are people too

, Jan 21).

I do not hate Indonesians and I am sure neither do any of our ministers. It is imperative however that we resolve the perennial problems caused by the alarmingly large number of foreign workers in this country.

Perhaps Irene is fortunate not to have a bad experience with Indonesians. My wife was robbed by two Indonesians on a motorbike near Ampang Point shopping complex about two years ago. She was knocked down and dragged for a few feet together with my five-year-old son in broad daylight. Two precious lives for the loot of a handbag.

There are many cases that involved Indonesians, which may have gone unreported for a number of reasons. Why should we Malaysians live in fear and at our own expense in our own homeland ? There are workable means and solutions to check these undesirable social problems.

Now that both our prime minister and deputy prime minister have expressed their serious views over the situation as a result of the riots in Pekan Nanas, Nilai and Sepang, we should consciously support any concerted action to resolve the issue. We do not need any aggravation from our own citizens or from the Indonesian authorities to do otherwise.

I hope our foreign minister will act fast to initiate diplomatic actions to resolve the illegal immigration problems and issues.