Kula: We’re serious about tackling illegal workers’ problem

PUTRAJAYA: The Government is serious about tackling the problem of illegal foreign workers and the Human Resources Minister M. Kulasegaran warned errant employers that they will be hauled up.

He said there will be clampdown and those caught will be charged for violating immigration laws.

“You saw for yourself. Seventytwo hours ago, (Home Minister) Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin went down himself to Petaling Street.

“You know how serious it is. And we mean business.

“Our enforcement is going to be strict all across the country.

“You will soon hear about employers being charged for violating laws,” he told a press conference at his ministry.

Kulasegaran said his emphasis will be on zero corruption and strict enforcement.

“There are only two priorities for my ministry.

“One is zero corruption, and two, the enforcement must be meticulous.

“We are serious about this matter. Enforcement is very important.

“I have informed my officers that there should be no nonsense on this,” he said.

Last Friday, Muhyiddin took part in an Immigration Department operation against illegal workers in Petaling Street in Kuala Lumpur.

Some 170 illegal immigrants were arrested in the raid for violating various immigration offences including overstaying and not having valid documents.

Muhyiddin had also announced the rehiring programme for illegal foreign workers will not be continued after June 30 and there will be a large-scale crackdown by the authorities.

The rehiring programme was introduced in 2016 to allow illegal workers in Malaysia to obtain valid work documents.

There are only two priorities for my ministry. One is zero corruption, and two, the enforcement must be meticulous. M. Kulasegaran