Now right time to solve illegals issue – Jeffrey
KOTA KINABALU: Now is the right time to solve the issue of illegal immigrants, especially in squatter areas throughout Sabah, according to Deputy Minister of Tourism, Art and Culture Datuk Dr Jeffrey Kitingan.
He said that to take the first step to resolving the issue, a public forum would be held nationwide.
"This forum will focus on solving a longstanding problem in this country. Now in West Malaysia, they are realising the negative implications that stem from illegal immigrants and the federal government is making an effort to overcome it. Therefore, now is the right time to solve this problem in Sabah," said Jeffrey.
He explained that the ministry would cooperate with the Ministry of Home Affairs and all government machinery to focus on the illegal immigrant problem.
On proof of illegal immigrants settling in squatter areas, Jeffrey, who is also Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku (STAR) president, said illegal immigrants are everywhere and most live in squatter areas.
"As we all know, these illegal immigrants stay at squatter settlements. We focus on these areas as they pose a high risk for Covid-19 infection," he added.
Jeffrey further said that if Covid-19 screening was not done on the group, the risk of illegal immigrants becoming active carriers is high.
They could be spreading the virus unknowingly by going out in public and all efforts to combat Covid-19 would be wasted, he said.