IT’S not true there are 1.2 million illegal Chinese nationals in the country, says Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail in rubbishing claims by an Opposition MP.
The Home Minister chided Siti Mastura Muhammad (PN-Kepala Batas) for her recent allegations, which he said were unfounded and could not be substantiated.
Saifuddin clarified that between Jan 1, 2021 and Dec 31 last year, a total of 46 million foreigners had entered the country.
“Of this, about 39 million had left meaning around six million are still here,” he said when winding up his ministerial replies in the Dewan Rakyat yesterday.
Saifuddin noted that those who remain were by and large foreigners on long-term passes, which allow stays of between three and five years.
This, he added, did not include those who are here on social visit, for diplomatic reasons and education, among others.
“There are those who have overstayed and that is why we implemented the recalibration programme so that they can register themselves,” he said.
Saifuddin added that 2.6 million foreigners who had overstayed had emerged voluntarily to register themselves with the Immigration Department.
“I want to settle once and for all the allegations made by YB Kepala Batas that there are 1.2 million Chinese nationals who entered the country since 2018 and have not left,” he said, adding that the current administration had been transparent about the issue and based its response on data.
Meanwhile, Lim Guan Eng (PH-Bagan) called on Siti Mastura to retract her allegations and apologise to Saifuddin for her claims, which he said could spark racial discontent.
Lim requested Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul to order Siti Mastura to do so.
