Illegal immigrants depart in droves as deadline looms

comments     Yap Mun Ching     Published     Updated

More than 250,000 of the estimated half a million illegal immigrants in Malaysia have left voluntarily under the government's amnesty programme that began on March 22 and ends on Wednesday.

Immigration Department director-general Mohd Jamal Kamdi said 82.7 percent were Indonesians.

"From our observation of the various exit points, many are leaving the country. Yesterday, some 6,000 people were estimated to be leaving from Pasir Gudang, Johor," he said during a press conference in Kuala Lumpur.

Jamal added that special permits have been given to 15 ferry services to call at Johor port, Stulang Laut, to facilitate the immigrants' departure.

"Normally, 18 ferry services operate out of Stulang Laut but we have increased this by another 15 services. At this port, the immigrants can buy tickets without having to book in advance," he said.

Those who are unable to secure ferry or flight tickets to leave by Wednesday may apply for special extension permits from state immigration department on presenting their tickets and travel permits.

Profile of immigrants

The department's statistics show that 42.4 percent of those who left were previously employed in the construction sector, while another 23.1 percent had jobs in the agricultural sector.

"We are encouraging factory owners and contractors to apply quickly for replacements. The Home Affairs Ministry has promised to give (fast) approvals. We want to balance the security aspect without harming the economy," Jamal said.

The data also shows that 55.6 percent had entered the country via legal channels but overstayed their visa allowances. The remainder were found to have entered the country illegally.

"We estimate the total number of illegal immigrants in Malaysia (including those who have left) to be between 450,000 and 600,000. No one knows the exact number for sure," he said.

"There are about 100,000 illegal immigrants left in Peninsular Malaysia and about 100,000 in Sabah."

Meetings with Indonesians

Asked if the Indonesian government has appealed to the Malaysian government to consider an extension, Jamal said an official from Indonesia's Ministry of Human Resources will be here tomorrow. However, he did not elaborate on the official's agenda.

The director-general added that Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad is also scheduled to visit Indonesia early next month.

Under the amended Immigration Act which is to take effect from Thursday, illegal immigrants are liable to a maximum fine of RM10,000 or a jail term not exceeding five years, or both, and mandatory whipping up to six strokes.

The provisions for heavier penalties were made after a riot broke out last February at a Seremban factory involving Indonesian workers. The government later announced its intention to reduce the illegal immigrant population in the country.



Malaysiakini
news and views that matter


Sign In