KOTA KINABALU: The Immigration Department has nabbed 13,601 immigrants nationwide thus far this year, in operations to clear the country of illegal immigrants.
According to statistics furnished by the Immigration Department, those caught were among 50,187 people inspected when enforcement personnel and officers raided 3,990 premised from Jan 1 to Sept 19.
Its director-general Datuk Seri Mustafar Ali said 314 employers were also arrested for hiring immigrants without necessary documents.
“In Sabah, we have carried out 1,003 operations from Jan until Aug and inspected 29,058 immigrants. Of this figure, we picked up 3,277 people for investigations and deportation.
“We also nabbed 66 employers and charged them. This year, the department has so far collected over RM5 million in compounds from employers and immigrants,” he said, adding that 8,450 people have been deported to their respective country.
Mustafar was speaking to reporters after the department’s inking of the corruption free-pledge with the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) today. Also present were Sabah Immigration department director Musa Sulaiman and Sabah MACC director Datuk Sazali Salbi.
He also took note of overcrowding issue at the temporary detention centres (PTS) in Sabah, stressing that the department is working with representatives from the Philippines and Indonesian embassies to expedite deportation process.
He also added the department would make several changes to improve the administration of four PTS namely Kota Kinabalu, Papar, Sibuga and Tawau once the department takes over from the National Security Council.
Mustafar, had in May, announced the transition and that it was agreed upon by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak and Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi during an advisory board meeting.
“Discussion on certain matters, including the official date for the handing over of the administration is ongoing. It was supposed to be on Nov 1 but it could take place early next year,” he said.
Once the PTS responsibility is passed on to the Immigration Department, he said the department would ensure and value-add to the existing system, in terms of deportation process.
“We need to ensure the detainees are expatriated immediately. I am aware there are quite a big number of them in all four detention centres and I am definitely going to discuss with both (Philippines and Indonesian) ambassadors to ensure smooth running of the system to deport all detainees,” he said.
On the corruption free-pledge, he said the department remained committed to curb corruption culture internally and externally.
“I am happy to say that the Sabah MACC director, throughout his service here, has noted there have been no corruption cases involving immigration personnel and officers in Sabah.
“I hope that integrity will continue to be well-established and competency is enhanced,” he said.
Mustafar also said the department is also working on improving its services to ensure there would be no movement of irresponsible and suspicious people at all airports.
“If it is pertaining to prohibited items (like drugs), it falls under the relevant department. For immigration, we administer the entry of people and if there is an attempt by irresponsible individuals, including militant members, to enter or escape (the country via airport) we will take stern action,” he said.