Prostitution tops crime list

Unsavoury activities: Many foreigners in the country have been found to be involved in criminal activities, especially prostitution.

PUTRAJAYA: Indulging in sex work while masquerading as spa therapists and reflexologists is one of the most frequent “crimes” committed by foreigners here.

While no specific figures were given, the Immigration Department said their presence in Malaysia violates both moral and immigration rules.

“Those who come here to work as prostitutes have violated our welcome by getting involved in immoral activities,” said department director-general Datuk Seri Mustafar Ali.

He said these illegal workers were among 23,000 foreigners deported in the first five months of this year.

Apart from prostitution, foreigners were also found to be involved in other criminal activities such as kidnapping, robbery, human trafficking, and even murder.

“We are aware of public concerns on the involvement of foreigners in criminal activities. Be assured that the department is doing what we can to weed them out for deportation,” said Mustafar after an engagement with exco members of the Malaysian Crime Prevention Foundation (MCPF).

According to immigration statistics, of the 4,200 Bangladeshis sent home this year, 126 have criminal records including for kidnapping and robbery.

Of the 6,849 Indonesians deported, 621 had committed crimes here that included human trafficking and drug trafficking.

Mustafar said his department was happy to work with MCPF to find ways to minimise crimes committed by foreigners here.

MCPF vice-president Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye said the foundation wants to work closely with enforcement bodies.

“We have relayed the public's concern on such cases. The meeting was fruitful as we presented ideas on how to fight this problem.

“We also urge the Government to beef up manpower at the Immigration Department because they play an important role in manning the country’s 137 entry points,” added Lee.