A parliamentarian today suggested that the government implant a microchip in illegal immigrants or make them wear an unremovable bracelet to prevent them from returning to Malaysia.

Mohd Shafie Mohd Salleh (BN-Huku Langat) said the government was forced to dig deep into its coffers to tackle the problem of returning illegal immigrants.

"Can we have illegal immigrants wear unremovable bracelets or stick a microchip in them so we can identify them when they come back?" he asked in a supplementary question to Deputy Home Minister Tan Chai Ho in the Dewan Rakyat.

However, Tan said the existing identification (thumb printing) was effective in distinguishing immigrants with valid permits from those without it.

Earlier, the deputy minister said the government will deploy border patrols, employ technology, the law and local citizenry to combat the mass influx of illegal immigrants in Sabah.

Responding to a question from Joseph Pairin Kitingan (BN-Keningau), he said the government was alarmed by the staggering number of illegal immigrants in Sabah.

The Bandar Tun Razak MP said the government has prepared immediate steps to tackle the problem.

"We will increase the presence of police and army patrols around known transit points (for illegal immigrants) along the borders.

"Voluntary crime-watch bodies will be given the power to carry out arrest on suspected illegal immigrants. Those who employ or harbour them will be charged in court, " he added.

In view of this, Tan said the Immigration Act 1959 and 1963 (Amendment 2002) would be fully enforced. The act prescribes heavy punishment including whipping.

He also said the government would identify illegal immigrants with the use of biometric technology before repatriating them.

Set up consulate

In a supplementary question, Pairin asked if the cabinet was in negotiations with the Philippine government on setting up a consulate in Sabah to help in the repatriation process.

The former chief minister pointed out that the number of illegal immigrants was increasing and this was burdening the country as well as threatening its security and sovereignty.

"I ask this (to set up a consulate) as it will help us help them (Manila) identify and send home these illegal immigrants," he said.

In reply, Tan said that as of March this year, a country-wide immigration crackdown saw 362,958 illegal immigrants arrested and sent home - with Sabah registering 74,680.

He also said the government was currently discussing with neighbouring countries on setting up consulates in Sabah.

"We are always in negotiations with Manila and Jakarta on the issue of illegal immigration and the process of documentation and working permits," he added.