GEORGE TOWN: A foreign woman has revealed how her family devised a “strategy” to send her to Malaysia to earn money for their household.
Speaking on condition of anonymity, Myint (not her real name) told The Star that after her family decided she would be the one to travel to Malaysia, they planned how to make her appear to be a genuine tourist.
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“My brother was already working in Penang and told me what I needed to do,” said the 25-year-old.
“I bought a return ticket with cancellation insurance so I could cancel the return ticket later and get RM800 back.
“I booked a budget hotel for a week’s stay, printed brochures of tourist attractions and packed my luggage as though I was really coming for a holiday.”
She said the journey had cost nearly RM3,000.
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“I pawned my jewellery to raise the money. I even applied for a credit card so I could show immigration officers I had enough funds if they asked.”
She arrived at Penang International Airport carrying her return ticket, hotel booking and financial documents.
She bought a local SIM card and registered for a local e-wallet account.
“I came to Penang airport dressed like a tourist. My new life started like that,” she said.
Myint said she then began visiting restaurants and shops in search of work.
She found work at a convenience store run by fellow foreign nationals.
The business was registered under a Malaysian’s name and the employer provided hostel accommodation.
“I started as a sales assistant. I arranged stock, served customers and worked from 10am to 9pm every day with two days off a month.”
A college graduate with basic English, her language ability soon earned her a promotion to supervisor.
“I now earn about RM2,000 a month, about four times what I would earn in my home country.”
“I support my mother who is in her 70s. There are four siblings, and my brother and I earn for the home.”
Myint said her fellow foreign nationals in Penang stayed connected through messaging groups.
“If someone hears about an immigration raid, they will warn everyone. I leave the shop and walk around town until the officers leave,” she said, adding that she had avoided several raids.
“If one day I get arrested, I will accept what the authorities decide. I know I broke the law.
“But I hope there will be an opportunity to legitimise my status. If I can become legal, I will gladly do it because I just want to work without fear and be able to return home to visit my family.”
