BALING: Malaysia detained a total of 35,225 immigrants between Jan 1 and Aug 30 this year, mostly from Indonesia, Myanmar, and Bangladesh, for violating immigration rules.
Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said the arrests followed inspections involving 152,000 foreigners through 9,500 operations conducted nationwide.
“These include individuals who entered the country without documents, overstayed, or misused valid passes, particularly work permits,” he told reporters after launching the Immigration Department’s Kampung Angkat Madani programme in Kampung Rambong Pulai today.
Saifuddin said action was also taken against 1,395 employers during the same period for hiring or harbouring undocumented immigrants.
On deportations, he said 36,557 foreigners had been sent back to their home countries as of Aug 28.
“This figure includes those held at immigration depots. The 35,225 need to be processed first. For deportation, we first obtain a detention and expulsion order, prepare their travel documents, and arrange tickets.
“Within 10 days of receiving these, we ensure they leave the country,” he said.
On the Kampung Angkat Madani initiative, Saifuddin said Kampung Rambong Pulai was selected by the Immigration Department for RM1 million worth of community development projects, including upgrades to mosques, suraus, halls, retaining walls, and the construction of a futsal court.
Additionally, SK Telok Teduri has been chosen as a Sekolah Angkat Madani by the department, receiving RM100,000 to improve its learning environment.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
