The Home Ministry is looking at the possibility of compelling all hotels and private institutions of higher learning (IPTS) to submit their lists of foreign guests and students to nearby police stations for monitoring purposes.

Its deputy minister, Lee Chee Leong, said this was aimed at combating crimes in Malaysia, especially those involving foreigners.

The government would not hesitate to take stern action against anyone who violated the law, he said in reply to senator Lee Choon Cheam, who wanted to know the actions taken to address the social problems involving foreign tourists and students, at the Dewan Negara sitting today.

For foreign nationals residing in Malaysia, the deputy minister said they would be monitored by the Immigration Department when their passes were renewed.

"Up to October this year, 11 Immigration staff and eight civilians have been detained by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) for bribery, which had helped the foreigners to enter the country easily," he said.

He said the Immigration Department would also conduct periodical inspection on pass holders, besides continuing the joint enforcement operations with the relevant agencies.

- Bernama