SIBU: An integrated operation will be launched to flush out and nab illegal immigrants in the state, said Deputy Home Affairs Minister Dato Sri Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar.
Wan Junaidi added that the police and the Immigration Department had been instructed to carry out the exercise, in particular against foreigners employed as guest relation officers (GROs) in night clubs.
He acknowledged there were foreigners who entered the state legally such as tourists but later sought employment and tried to assimilate with the local communities.
“We will not tolerate this and hope that local party, especially employers will not employ such individuals even if they were their relatives, irrespective whether they are from Indonesia, the Philippines or China,” he
warned.
Wan Junaidi said this at a press conference after breaking fast with orphans from Peryatim Sibu on Sunday.
The Santubong MP also said he had instructed the Immigration Department to enforce the law without fear or favour even though there was ‘pressure’ from certain quarters.
“I want to know who is giving the ‘pressure’. Action must be taken against employers, irrespective of who the owner of the company or business is.
“This includes those attempting to bring foreign girls to work in night clubs, massage parlours, karaoke lounges and other business houses.
“They need to obtain approval and don’t employ those coming here as tourists. We will not hesitate to take appropriate action and the employer will be held responsible,” he said.
He added: “The law does not make differentiation on one’s status in the society as action can be taken whether the individuals are Datuk, Tan Sri or elected representatives if caught harbouring illegal immigrants.
“If we don’t do (take action), people will point fingers at us that we have not done anything.”
He appealed to community leaders not to assist or support this group of people, adding that the laws would take its course.
Asked when the integrated operation would be launched, he said they had been carrying it out in Miri, where illegal immigrants had been deported to their country of origin.
“I believe we have already sent home more than 1,000 people and the process is continuing.”
Present at the press conference were state deputy Immigration director Shawal Hamfatullah and Sibu chief Raymond Entalai.-Borneo Post
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