KUALA LUMPUR:A seven-month pregnant Chinese national married to a Malaysian living in Singapore has been barred from entering Malaysia and now risk deportation back to her country.
The letter refusing entry to the 27-year old woman, who asked to be known as Mrs Yong, stated the rejection was done under Section 8 (3) of the Immigration Act 1959/1963.
The Malaysian husband, who asked to be identified as Yong, said the refusal of entry on Monday (Nov 30) at the Customs, Immigration and Quarantine (CIQ) complex in Bukit Chagar has put the couple in a quandary as his wife cannot stay for long in Singapore.
“Previously, she was working in Singapore holding a work permit but due to Singaporean rules and regulations, (non-Malaysian) foreign workers cannot deliver in this country. Since she’s pregnant, the work permit had to be cancelled,” he told Bernama in a phone interview.
Yong said he could not sponsor her as a dependent on his employment pass because, as a store manager, he did not meet the minimum fixed monthly salary requirement of S$6,000.
Neither can he accompany her across the border, as he did not want to risk losing his job as he would have to be gone for a month due to quarantine requirements.
After she was turned away at the border, Singapore issued her a 14-day special pass to stay in the country. Upon expiry, she will have to leave or be deported.
Yong, who hails from Kluang, Johor, said Malaysia was their best hope not to be separated and to ensure the safety of their unborn child as his wife would not have to travel very far to be with his family, who will be taking care of her.
He said his wife had all the requisite documents for entry, including MyTravelPass permission to enter, a Letter of Undertaking guaranteeing payment of COVID-19 quarantine costs and their marriage certificate, which they registered with the Malaysian government.
He added that his wife did not have a Long-Term Social Visit Pass (LTSVP), however, saying his wife planned to apply for it once she was in Malaysia.
Immigration Department of Visa, Pass and Permit Director Dr Syahmi @ Muhammad Syahmi Jaafar said not having a LTSVP should not be a reason to deny the woman or any other foreign spouses entry should they have permission.
“It’s a rare case to reject foreign spouses,” he said, adding the government was trying hard to help Malaysians to reunite with their foreign family members.
He said he would investigate what happened while also expressing confidence in his officers.
Malaysia has tightened its entry restrictions since March due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Foreign spouses without the LTSVP, or spouse visa, have been affected especially as they were not allowed to enter until August, when the government allowed foreign spouses and children without the LTSVP.
Recently, the government eased restrictions further to allow in foreign spouses from 23 banned countries.
Section 8 (3) of the Immigration Act of 1959/1963 lists a variety of prohibited immigrants, including those who cannot support themselves, with a criminal record, suffering from mental illness and planning to overthrow the government.
-- BERNAMA
Bernama
Thu Dec 03 2020
Foreign spouses without the LTSVP, or spouse visa, have been affected especially as they were not allowed to enter until August, when the government allowed foreign spouses and children without the LTSVP. -BERNAMA file pic
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.
NFOF will be operational in November 2024 with funding of RM1 bil
PM Anwar Ibrahim said NFOF will support venture capital fund managers to invest in startup companies with RM300 million set aside for 2025.
Minimum wage to increase to RM1,700 effective Feb 1, 2025
The Progressive Wage Policy would be fully enforced next year with an allocation of RM200 million, benefiting 50,000 workers.
Bursa Malaysia ends higher on Budget 2025 optimism
The benchmark index, which opened 1.85 points higher at 1,643.29, moved between 1,641.71 and 1,649.31 throughout the trading session.
Five important aspects relating to people’s lives in Budget 2025 - PM
The focus is on driving the MADANI Economy, speeding reforms, cutting red tape, raising wages, and tackling the cost of living.
Economic outlook: Govt plans to leverage, expand existing city transit system
The expansion aims to provide a more efficient and reliable public transportation network, reduce congestion, and improve accessibility.
Economic outlook: Budget 2025 to lay foundation for a digital-driven economy
The report said Budget 2025 will entail efforts to position Kuala Lumpur as a top 20 global startup hub by 2030 through the KL20 initiative.
Economic outlook: Corruption and lack of accountability hinder economic progress
Special Cabinet Committee on National governance is established to curb corruption, law reforms to modernise outdate regulations, MoF said.
National Wages Consultative Council will be strengthened
The govt will also incentivise hiring women returning from career breaks, offer job matching and improve care services facilities.
Economic outlook: Ensuring 11 years of compulsory education for all children
Budget 2025 will continue prioritising upskilling and retraining initiatives to equip workers with the latest skill sets necessary.
Consolidated public sector projected to record lower surplus of RM41.7 bil 2024
The MoF said the consolidated general government revenue is estimated to increase slightly to RM384.7 billion in 2024.
PM announces substantial Budget 2025 hastening Malaysia to become Asian economic powerhouse
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said it would create jobs and also tackle financial leakages to enhance public spending efficiency.