Protect Melaka’s image, legacy

THE issue of undocumented migrants in Melaka has drawn public attention.

Scenes of foreigners disregarding the law by openly running businesses without licence have been widely shared on social media and they have drawn concerns.

At first glance, criticism against them might be dismissed as hostility towards foreigners.

Some people may insist that migrants have the right to work and earn a living.

On the surface, that’s true as Malaysians have long accepted the role of migrant workers in sectors shunned by locals, from construction to plantations.

But the real problem lies with those who entered Malaysia without proper documentation, often aided by syndicates exploiting enforcement gaps.

Residents in Klebang and Tanjung Kling in Melaka told me stories that underscored the seriousness of the problem.

They spoke of migrants willing to risk their lives crossing the Straits of Malacca at night, sometimes with local accomplices facilitating their entry.

This is not mere hearsay as the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) has repeatedly intercepted such attempts and in one recent incident, two officers were injured in the line of duty.

On land, the Road Transport Department (JPJ) has taken action against foreigners driving without valid licences.

These are not isolated cases but part of a pattern that fuels unease among the public.

The problem also extends into everyday commerce.

More and more 24-hour convenience stores employ foreigners as cashiers, with business owners claiming locals refuse to work graveyard shifts.

But retirees and job seekers among Malaysians argue otherwise.

They say they are willing to take on such jobs but they are not happy with the poor working condition and being offered the same pay as foreign workers who are provided with hostel accommodation and meals.

The upshot of this is that employers find it easier to rely on undocumented workers rather than improve the working conditions for Malaysian employees.

The Melaka government has been working tirelessly to elevate the state’s profile through events including the World Tourism Conference and the recent World Tourism Day.

The spectacular launch of Visit Malaysia Year 2026 at Encore Melaka on Sept 27 had even earned accolades from the Prime Minister.

Such efforts are vital for positioning Melaka as a premier global destination.

And Melaka’s future depends heavily on its reputation as a safe, orderly and attractive destination.

Yet all that work risks being overshadowed if the state is seen as lax in controlling undocumented migration.

Tourists do not merely remember fireworks and conferences, they also remember how they are treated and how safe they feel walking on the street.

This is not in any way an attempt to demonise foreigners.

Malaysians recognise the contributions of legal migrant workers who enter through proper channels.

But when enforcement is weak, when syndicates thrive and when ordinary people begin to feel unsafe, the state’s credibility is at stake.

Protecting Melaka’s image requires more than grand showcases.

It requires coordinated action from enforcement agencies, local councils and business operators to stem undocumented entry, enforce labour laws and safeguard public confidence.

Melaka is a city with centuries of heritage and global recognition.

To preserve that legacy and secure its future, the authorities must act with urgency.

The longer undocumented migration is allowed to fester, the greater the risk that Melaka’s proud reputation will be diminished.

The time to act is now, before the damage becomes irreversible.