PETALING JAYA: The Immigration Department (JIM) will not compromise on cases involving illegal foreign workers or individuals who have abused their entry passes to enter the country.
JIM director-general Datuk Zakaria Shaaban told The Star that the department viewed the matter seriously and that constant monitoring and strict actions are being taken on those abusing their social visit passes.
“The department constantly monitors and takes strict action against any foreign tourists found abusing their social visit passes to work illegally in the country.
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“JIM is intensifying enforcement, especially in areas of economic activity dominated by illegal immigrants, with joint operations involving local councils and police focusing on hotspots like Kuala Lumpur and Selangor,” he said.
Zakaria added that the presence of such illegal immigrants also tends to correlate with other violations of the law and that a joint effort is required to tackle such issues.
“Therefore, a holistic and integrated enforcement approach is necessary.
“This synergy creates a strong multiplier effect; for example, during a raid on business premises, JIM can detain undocumented workers while the police investigate criminal elements.
“At the same time, the local authorities can take action on business licence violations while the Health Ministry conducts screenings for infectious diseases,” he said.
Zakaria added that “enforcement inspectorates” had also been implemented across all sectors, with the aim of raising awareness among business and premises owners.
