Malaysia to launch ‘biggest’ crackdown on its illegals
30 Aug 2013 5:07 AM IST
Malaysia will launch what local media on Wednesday called its ‘biggest ever’ crackdown on an estimated half a million illegal foreign workers, as a crime wave focused the nation’s attention on security.
Under the three-month operation to begin on Sunday, authorities would seek to deport some 500,000 foreigners, mostly from the country’s vast and less-developed neighbour Indonesia, Immigration Department Director General Alias Ahmad said.
The operation would involve 135,000 personnel led by the department, he was quoted by The Star newspaper as saying.
Normally laid-back Malaysia has been on edge over dozens of reported shootings, many fatal, that authorities have blamed largely on a gang turf war.
While foreigners are not generally seen as a key source of crime, the presence of large numbers of undocumented workers has fuelled security worries.
The violence has added to a widespread public perception of rising crime such as thefts, burglaries, and robberies.
Under the three-month operation to begin on Sunday, authorities would seek to deport some 500,000 foreigners, mostly from the country’s vast and less-developed neighbour Indonesia, Immigration Department Director General Alias Ahmad said.
The operation would involve 135,000 personnel led by the department, he was quoted by The Star newspaper as saying.
Normally laid-back Malaysia has been on edge over dozens of reported shootings, many fatal, that authorities have blamed largely on a gang turf war.
While foreigners are not generally seen as a key source of crime, the presence of large numbers of undocumented workers has fuelled security worries.
The violence has added to a widespread public perception of rising crime such as thefts, burglaries, and robberies.
Next Story
