LOST CITY: (Feb 3) Artefacts dated older than the Malacca Sultanate have been found in the area where the lost city of Kota Gelanggi is said to be located in Johor. These finds have reinforced claims of the existence of the ancient site which independent researcher Raimy Che-Ross said he had located last year. Raimy spent 12 years researching Malay manuscripts all over the world and conducting aerial searches of the area before locating the site of Kota Gelanggi or Perbendaharaan Permata (Treasury of Jewels). On Feb 4, the Government said it is giving top priority to the search for Kota Gelanggi and will provide the necessary funds for it.
CRACKDOWN PUT OFF: (Jan 31) The nationwide crackdown on illegal immigrants and employers, scheduled to begin on Feb 1 after the expiry of the amnesty period, was called off pending further notice. On Feb 1, Home Minister Datuk Azmi Khalid said the amnesty was over and there was no postponement. Instead of a tough crackdown, however, illegal immigrants are being “politely” persuaded to return to their home countries.
