July 21, 2024
PUTRAJAYA (ANN/THE STAR) – The Malaysian Immigration Department shared that a total of 51,838 undocumented immigrants have been detained in nationwide enforcement operations this year, according to the Department’s Director-General Datuk Ruslin Jusoh.
The Director-General acknowledged the concerns of some Malaysians regarding the presence of undocumented immigrants.
“Between January 1 and July 16, we conducted 9,289 operations at 224 hotspots nationwide, averaging about 51 operations daily.
“We have inspected 89,226 foreigners and detained 51,838 undocumented immigrants,” he said in a recent interview.
Ruslin emphasised the country’s reliance on foreign labour to meet the needs of various economic sectors, including construction, service, and agriculture.
“We have around 2.4 million registered foreign workers. However, we will take stern action against those who violate immigration regulations, such as overstaying or abusing work passes,” he said.
Ruslin also mentioned that 572 employers had been detained for hiring undocumented immigrants.
“Employers hiring, harbouring, and allowing undocumented immigrants to stay on their premises are committing offences under the Immigration Act. We urge all employers to comply with regulations. If they do, the undocumented immigrants will have nowhere to work,” he said.
Ruslin noted that some employers prefer to hire undocumented immigrants to evade levies and reduce costs, often citing the complexity of the legal hiring process as an excuse.
He reminded employers to report to the department if any foreign worker absconds from their employment, as it is compulsory and aids in apprehending those who flee.
Regarding conditions at immigration depots, Ruslin said the department operates 20 depots and three Baitul Mahabbah centres nationwide, accommodating up to 20,750 individuals. From January 1 to July 14, 15,406 detainees were housed in these facilities.
Ruslin explained that Baitul Mahabbah centres accommodate foreign children aged 10 and below, allowing them to live freely within the compound, with playgrounds and teachers provided for classes. Three centres are currently operational in Negeri Sembilan, Sabah, and Sarawak, with new centres opening in Kelantan and Kedah next month.
“It is an initiative started last year to avoid detaining children, providing a more conducive environment for mothers and their children,” he said.
Ruslin also mentioned plans to establish a new depot in Jawi, Penang, replacing the one in Juru, and highlighted the ongoing efforts to improve depot facilities. He stressed the importance of deporting undocumented immigrants swiftly to reduce costs, calling for cooperation from embassies and consulates to expedite the documentation process.
“A total of 21,634 undocumented immigrants have been deported so far this year,” Ruslin added.
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