Chor: Entry of illegal immigrants curbed

The home ministry today reported a fall in the number of illegal immigrants following the implementation of a stricter law that provides for the jailing and caning of those caught without valid visas.

Deputy Home Minister Chor Chee Heung also told the Dewan Rakyat today that fewer boat landings have been recorded since last August, when the penalties were imposed. Consequently, there have been fewer arrests of illegal immigrants.

The deputy minister revealed that, in January and February 2002, a total of 321 boat landings were intercepted and 2,717 arrests. However, during the same period this year there were o­nly 116 landings and 637 arrests.

"This shows a reduction of 63 percent for boat landings and a 76 percent reduction in number of persons arrested," he told Parliament.

Chor said other measures have also been taken to further reduce the number of illegals.

"Although the situation is under control, the government continues to look at the matter very seriously. (Enforcement) operations and raids will continue to ensure that we reduce further the number of illegal immigrants," he said. " If we do not take action, the security of the country may be jeopardised."

Under provisions of the Immigration (Amendment) Act 2002, foreigners found to have entered the country illegally or who overstay are liable to a maximum fine of RM10,000, a jail term of up to five years and up to six strokes of the rotan.

Responding to a supplementary question o­n the involvement of enforcement officers in the smuggling of illegal immigrants, Chor said o­nly a few individuals were involved in such practices.

"It is undeniable that some are involved but the group is very small...if we have proof, we will punish them as we would other any other offender," he said.

Under Section 56 of the Immigration Act, those convicted of sheltering illegal immigrants are liable to a fine ranging between RM10,000 and RM50,000, a jail term of up to five years, as well as to caning.

"Usually, the courts sentence those found guilty with all three punishments. I have confidence that with this provision, the courts will be able to mete out sentences appropriately," he told Mohd Ali Hassan (BN-Tebrau).

Later asked if there was any correlation between the smuggling activities and lower number of arrests this year, Chor said this was "not the case".

"It is because of the law and the deterrent nature of the punishments. A large number of (people) do not want to take the risk but there are still a number who want to land here," he told reporters at the Parliament lobby.

"If they are not careful, they may be arrested soon during enforcement operations. Sooner or later, they will be nabbed and will have to face the consequences."

Chor also said that, although the stiff punishments had been severely criticised by neighbouring governments last year, this had gradually died down after the government explained the purpose of the law.

"It is not to punish the people but to ensure that they enter the country legally so that we can take care of their welfare as well. In the beginning, yes, (we were criticised) but that was because neighbouring governments did not know exactly why we implemented the amendments. After our explanations, they did not objected as vocally as they did earlier," he said.

Malaysia had come under fire from neighbouring countries unable to cope with the sudden return of more than 350,000 undocumented migrants during a six-month amnesty period before the law took effect. Another 100,000 left when arrests began under Ops Nyah II.

Asked to comment o­n the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia's (Suhakam) findings that prisons are overcrowded partly because of the large number of immigration offenders, Chor said the problem would be resolved shortly.

"Suhakam's views are being taken into consideration by the home ministry. We do not deny that the prisons are overcrowded but it is not to the point that the lives and health of the prisoners are affected. We are still within the approved limit under United Nations rules," he said.

The deputy minister said four new prisons are expected to be opened by the end of the year to cope with the situation.

"Aside from this, the prisons department will introduce community service for minor offenders, namely those whose sentences are less than two years," he added.

"As a long term measure, the government is looking into the findings of our visits to the United States and Australia to study their parole systems. The two new systems could be introduced within the year."

Earlier, Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister Dr Leo Michael Toyad told Parliament the government had been holding discussions with Asean counterparts over ways to deal with problems arising from illegal immigration.

"The entry of illegal immigrants has caused problems for us. Up till now, there has been no lasting effect o­n bilateral ties but the government continues to take this matter seriously by having discussions with other countries via Asean fora and bilateral discussions," he said in response to a question by Drs Abu Bakar Othman (PAS-Jerlun).

Toyad said Asean countries have also set up a joint committee to address border issues and other immigration matters, including the movement of illegal immigrants.

"This is a permanent committee. Members meet at both the ministerial level and at the level of officials. We have also a committee o­n sea borders which includes the participation of China, which has an interest in this region," he said.