PETALING JAYA: Over 10,000 enforcement operations against illegal immigrants have been conducted nationwide since early this year, says Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail (pic).
The Home Minister said this was proof that the ministry, through the Immigration Department, is taking firm action on the issue.
“The issue of undocumented migrants is a long-standing problem that has plagued the country as a result of loopholes and leakages in the administrative system of the past.
“Existing gaps and weaknesses have been exploited by illegal syndicates and irresponsible local employers, creating serious social, economic and security threats.
“In my view, this problem, which has persisted for so long, can no longer be allowed to become a burden passed on to the next generation,” he said in a statement.
According to ministry statistics, the department had conducted a total of 10,374 operations between Jan 1 and Sept 29 nationwide.
A total of 37,313 illegal immigrants were arrested while 1,809 employers were found employing and protecting them.
The minister said while Malaysia welcomed foreign nationals to seek employment, they must do it according to the law and through legitimate channels.
He also warned employers against hiring illegal immigrants as they are fuelling the crisis and affecting national security.
“There will be no more room to hide from legal action,” he said.
