PUTRAJAYA: The Immigration Department enforcement teams will be inspecting Ramadan bazaars nationwide to ensure that traders do not transfer their licences to others, particularly foreigners.
Department director-general Datuk Zakaria Shaaban said these teams will conduct thorough inspections across all bazaars in the country to curb such activities.
"We will conduct checks at all bazaars, including locations with foreign workers, to ensure compliance with the law.
“I will instruct the teams to inspect every possible location. We will arrange inspection schedules, including at state Immigration offices,” he told reporters after attending the launch of the enforcement inspectorate here on Thursday (Feb 13).
Recently, it was reported that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim instructed Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) to revoke Ramadan bazaar licences if traders were found transferring their permits to others.
Anwar stressed that the issue of unauthorised licence transfer is one of the aspects of governance that should be given emphasis and requires better enforcement.
When asked whether or not enforcement teams would be equipped with body cameras during monitoring duties, Zakaria said it is part of the team’s plans.
"At the moment, we don’t have them, but we are working towards it,” he said.
On Dec 2, Deputy Home Minister Datuk Seri Dr Shamsul Anuar Nasarah said the use of body cameras for Immigration officers stationed at key entry points would be implemented under the 13th Malaysia Plan to prevent abuse of power and corruption.
Earlier, Zakaria in his speech during the launch expressed confidence that the teams, which start their official duties on Thursday, will begin to change the public’s negative perception of the department.
"I believe that in a short time, we will be able to change the public’s perception when they witness our commitment to addressing the influx of undocumented foreign workers in the country,” he said.
He said the teams are not only tasked with law enforcement but also with providing information and guidance to employers on the proper procedures for legally employing foreign workers. – Bernama
