Malaysia to conduct more drives against illegal foreign workers

Mustafa speaking to the media on his first day at the department in Putrajaya. Photo: The Star

Operations against illegal foreign workers will be conducted more regularly and on a bigger scale, said newly appointed Immigration director-general Datuk Mustafa Ibrahim.

He said Immigration personnel, particularly those in the enforcement unit, could expect working hours that were longer than usual to handle the influx of illegal foreign workers and illegal immigrants, reports Malaysian news agency The Star Online.

The director-general comments came a day after Malaysia remanded 24 foreigners, including 21 Bangladeshis, for trying to enter the country illegally.

“They have become the biggest problem in the country and handling the issue is our biggest challenge.

“We have to work extra hard and longer,” Mustafa said at a press conference after his first meeting with senior Immigration officials here yesterday.

The former Rela director-general was appointed Immigration director-general on Friday, taking over from Datuk Aloyah Mamat, who has been appointed the new Chief Government Security Office director-general at the Prime Minister’s Department.

Mustafa said his experience at Rela, which had been providing the manpower in many Immigration Department operations against illegals, would come in handy.

“I know how Rela personnel work. I know their thinking, strengths and limitations.

“We should be able to strategise the cooperation and maximise the available manpower,” he said, adding that handling the illegal foreign workers issue in Cameron Highlands was high on his list of things to do.

Mustafa said focus would also be given to provide the public with easy and quick service with integrity.