Malaysia Authority Arrests 2,156 Illegal Indonesian Immigrants

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Feb 24 (Antara) - Malaysian Immigration authorities have arrested 2,156 illegal Indonesian immigrants during the operations held from January 21 to February 21. Besides Indonesia, Malaysian authorities had also caught illegal immigrant from Myanmar (786), Bangladesh (596), Philippines (589), Nepal (355), India (276), and Pakistan (242). Malaysia`s Deputy of the Immigration Department Datuk Sakib Kusmi has been quoted by Malaysian media, that 59 employers were also arrested for abuse of the law on hiring and protecting illegal workers, and deported 5,261 illegal immigrants to their home country. Between January 21 and February 21, 2014, Malaysian authorities had held 794 operations, which involved 9 thousands officers from related department. "Malaysia has eased the visa requirement process in order to enable entry into our country through the legal way," Kusmi pointed out. Kusmi added that Malaysian regulations did not bar people of other nationalities from visiting or working in the country. However, visas and work permits are required. In fact, 2014 was projected as the "Visit Malaysia" year with an aim to support domestic economy through tourism. "However, National security must be ensured through law enforcement," he added.