Indonesia Consulate offers to help illegal immigrants

Minister Counselor for the consulate-general of the Republic of Indonesia in Johor Baru, Djudjur S. H. Hutagalung has advised illegal immigrants to approach the consulate for help rather than seek illegal routes home for Hari Raya.

Following the second boat tragedy involving about 44 illegal immigrants which occurred during a storm last Thursday in the waters of Tanjung Siang, he said the consulate was prepared to assist them in order to prevent such tragedies.

DJudjur said the illegal immigrants would be issued with temporary travel documents and funds to cover travel expenses if necessary.

He said the consulate had informed the families of the four victims who were rescued of their status, but the men would still need to go through the required Malaysian procedure before being allowed to leave.

The boat was believed to be carrying 44 passengers said to be destined for Batam, Indonesia on Thursday night when it was struck by strong waves during a storm.

The rescued men had hung on to a plastic drum for 15 hours at sea before being found by a group of fishermen and a Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency patrol boat.