KOTA KINABALU: Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman has shot down suggestions that long-staying Filipinos in Sabah be granted permanent resident (PR) status.

He said there were many procedures to be followed for PR to be granted.

"It is not that simple. We have rules and regulations and procedures," he said after launching the Farmers, Breeders and Fishermen celebrations at the Rural Development Corporation tamu ground here yesterday.

Musa was asked to comment on the proposal by Philippine Migrant Affairs Assistant Secretary Esteban Conejos that Filipinos who have resided in Sabah for many years be granted PR.

Conejos was responding to a recent announcement by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak that a massive operation to flush out illegal immigrants would be carried out in Sabah soon.
Musa said Sabah was asking the Philippine government to set up a consulate to help in the deportation efforts.

"We have been requesting for the consulate, through Wisma Putra, for some time now.

"We have to deport the Filipinos. They have either overstayed or entered the country illegally."

On the operation, Musa said it would involve enforcement agencies from the state and federal levels and would be done in phases.

He warned employers harbouring illegal immigrants to sort out their workers' documents.

"It is not that we are flushing out all immigrants and foreign workers. We want them here, but they have to come in through the proper channels and have documents, and go back when their contract is over."

It is estimated that there are more than 200,000 Filipinos working illegally in the plantation and construction sectors in the state.