Addressing the migrant poser
Malaysia is serious in dealing with non-traditional threats and preventing spread of Covid-19
THE Covid-19 pandemic which began late last year has changed the landscape of how we conduct our daily lifestyle, the environment, business, economy and so on.
This pandemic has prompted the government to take stern action and also evoked security concerns in the country over the presence of illegal immigrants, who might be infected with the virus and have potential to create new clusters.
As a fast-growing socio-economic and developing nation, Malaysia has become the major destination of foreign workers, namely in manufacturing, construction and plantation.
The influx of foreign workers, whether legally or illegally, has brought about advantages and disadvantages to the country’s economy and security developments, besides an unprecedented rise of coronavirus cases as reported.
Malaysia is still the preferred destination of fleeing Rohingya refugees, being a Muslim-majority nation nearest to Myanmar and which has a proven accommodating humanitarian track record towards the ethnic minority since 2015.
Consequentially, on April 5, 202 Rohingya illegally landed in Langkawi. Subsequently, on June 8, 269 more illegally landed in the same island.
The latest incident saw the boat used by the Rohingya migrants being damaged, especially the propulsion, when approaching the landing area so the detour process by enforcement agencies was not possible.
What is more alarming is that these migrants have not been screened for Covid-19, and they might be carrying the virus or any other viruses which may cause an epidemic in the country.
The presence of a large number of illegal immigrants in the country may pose further threats to safety and security, besides affecting socio-economic stability.
Hence, it is of utmost importance for the government to bring together all relevant security enforcement agencies under a coalition force to counter the threats posed by the influx of illegal immigrants.
The government, through the National Security Council, then approved and ordered the formation of the National Task Force (NTF) headed by the armed forces to integrate operations and undertake the task and objectives of managing this security threat immediately and effectively.
The main elements which constituted the establishment of NTF is the armed forces, police and the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA).
Apart from these three main security enforcement agencies, close cooperation and strong collaboration with other government agencies, such as the Immigration Department, Customs Department, Civil Defence Agency, Malaysian Border Security Agency and Health Ministry, have also been integrated into NTF.
The mission is to enhance border control to curb illegal entry of migrants either by land, sea or air.
Accordingly, the NTF has since May 6 developed an integrated operation to carry out the tasks assigned by the government. The operation, codenamed Op Benteng, has identified rat lanes in the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia, the east coast of Sabah and along the inland border of Sarawak/Kalimantan.
It has enhanced maritime operations along the Straits of Malacca and Sulu Sea to stop illegal entries, thereby preventing new clusters of Covid-19.
The concept of operation being emphasised by NTF is 6D (Deter, Detect, Deny, Detour, Detain and Deport).
It is clear that Malaysia is serious in implementing new mechanisms in dealing with non-traditional threats and preventing the spread of Covid-19.
With NTF, what is new is that all security agencies are now operating under a wellcoordinated force. Sharing of information and awareness on the presence of illegal immigrants, as well as Covid-19, have brought the country in the right direction.
In conclusion, NTF is a holistic approach to curb illegal entry and to negate any new clusters of Covid-19. This effort cannot be successful without the support and contribution of relevant agencies, non-governmental organisations and the people.