Johor state govt plans to control foreign worker influx

BATU PAHAT: The state government plans to set up a special committee to control the influx of foreigners seeking employment in the state, says Aminolhuda Hassan.

In describing the trend as “worrying”, state Education, Human Resources, Science and Technology Committee chairman said presently, there was no agency controlling the entry of foreigners, especially those who came in illegally.

Aminolhuda said the influx of foreigners had increased over the years and that it had affected the opportunities of Malaysian workers in certain sectors.

“From our observation, these foreigners can be divided into four categories.

“The first are those who came in with proper documents, the second are those who use student passes, the third with tourist passes and the last group are illegals,” he told reporters at a breaking of fast event with village heads at Masjid Felcra Sri Wangi on Thursday.

Aminolhuda said the main factor for foreigners coming to Johor was ample job opportunities compared to their own countries.

He said the state could easily be entered, especially via the sea route, which was more accessible than land or air.

“I propose health screenings for foreign workers coming in, similar to the requirement of students, who wish to pursue their studies here.

“We will work with health authorities so that these foreigners, who are at risk or have certain illnesses, are not permitted to enter the state,” he said.