Illegals: 118 Employers nabbed - Immigration DG

The Immigration Department detained 118 employers suspected of commiting hiring offences, sheltering illegal immigrants and abetting with illegals at premises (occupier) from February 19 until March 8.

Its director-general Datuk Seri Sakib Kusmi said out of the total, 110 employers were Malaysians, followed by Indonesians (three) and one each from Thailand, Pakistan, Yemen, Cambodia and Bangladesh.

"In accordance with the directive of Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who is also Home Minister on the issue of illegals and foreign workers, 654 operations were conducted and 12,657 foreigners inspected.

"Out of the total, 4,114 illegals were arrested for further action," he said in a statement here today.

Sakib said 1,221 Indonesians were detained followed by illegals from Bangladesh (1,177), Myanmar (408), The Philippines (338), Nepal (258), Thailand (152), Vietnam (138), Pakistan (132) and the rest from other countries.

Hence, he said the department reminded the public and employers not to hire and shelter illegals or be faced with legal action.

“Employers are encouraged to participate in the rehiring and replacement of illegal immigrants programme that began since last February 15," he said.

He also urged the public with information on illegals or any information that could help the department in enforcement implementation to come forward.