Blacklisted Malaysians use 'rat lanes' to enter neighbouring countries

Malaysians who have been barred from going overseas have been resorting to ‘rate lanes’ to cross over to neighboring countries.

Kedah Immigration Department Director Zuhair Jamaludin said last year alone, a total of 249 blacklisted people tried to leave the country to go to other countries via the Bukit Kayu Hitam Customs and Quarantine (ICQ) Complex.

He said the illegal act will be brought to light when they return through the same way as every entry and exit activities will be recorded.

He added that those who try to re-enter the country after going to another country via the rat lanes, will be arrested and investigated.

He also said that failure to show relevant documents when requested by the immigration officers will result in them being asked to go back.

Zuhair said even if they manage go through undetected, they will get into trouble once they come back as a notice will be filed under Section 8 (3) of the Immigration Act 1959/63 for those detained.

He added that most of those who were blacklisted include those who fail to pay their National Higher Education Fund Corporation (PTPTN) loans or those barred by the Department of Insolvency and the Inland Revenue Board (IRB) for various reasons.