JOHOR BARU: The state Immigration Department will be on the lookout for illegal immigrants living and working throughout Johor following the end of the recalibration programme for migrants which ended last Thursday.
Its director Baharuddin Tahir said the department had been actively pursuing undocumented immigrants in Johor even before the recalibration programme deadline.
“This time around, we will find those that are still stubborn in wanting to stay in the country illegally,” he said yesterday.
He added that action would also be taken against Malaysians employing illegal immigrants.
“We understand that a lot of sectors such as plantation, construction and service were facing shortage of workers.
“But employing illegal immigrants is an offence and the department will take action against both the undocumented workers and their employers as well,” he added.
He said those who have information on illegal immigrants could contact the department’s hotline number (07-233 8588) or write an email at aduan.bpkst@imi.gov.my or visit https://imi.spab.gov.my to lodge a complaint.
The recalibration programme allowing illegal immigrants to voluntarily return home started in November 2020 and had been set to end on June 30 last year.
However, the deadline was extended until Dec 30, 2021, and again to June 30 this year.
Home Minister Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin said action would be taken against those who commit any offence after the expiry of the recalibration programme.
In another matter, Baharuddin said the situation at the country’s two main land checkpoints, Sultan Iskandar Customs, Immigration and Quarantine Complex (CIQ BSI) here and the Sultan Abu Bakar Complex (CIQ KSAB) in Iskandar Puteri, remained under control.
He added that despite Malaysia and Singapore having reopened their land borders on April 1, the number of travellers via BSI and KSAB have yet to reach pre-Covid-19 pandemic days.
“The highest number of travellers that the department recorded was around 280,000 persons during the recent school holiday in Singapore.
“This is still quite low as the number of travellers recorded before Covid-19 was around 400,000 persons daily at both BSI and KSAB.
“With Hari Raya Aidiladha this Sunday, the department will be checking whether there would be an extended holiday in Singapore as part of our preparation to make it easier for travellers during such festive season,” he said.
He said there were 267 immigration counters at BSI and another 180 Immigration counters at KSAB that would be open during weekends and long public holidays.