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Keeping the problem of illegal workers in check

Editorial Desk: The Star (Malaysia)
There is a Malay saying - Harapkan pagar, pagar makan padi — which is used to describe a person who, having been entrusted to protect something, betrays the trust given to him by working in the opposite direction. This is especially relevant in the world of enforcement when those tasked with enforcing the law work in cahoots with those against whom they should take action.
The home ministry is coming down hard on agents who bring foreign workers into the country illegally and, more importantly, the immigration officers who work in cahoots with them. "It is high time that certain clauses are added in the Immigration Act — to cane agents and immigration personnel for their misdeeds," said home minister Dr. Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
While the issue of caning is debatable, we certainly welcome any move to crack down on those who play any role in flooding our country with illegal workers. The officers who check passports and other documentation of incoming visitors have to ensure that no illegal person slips in.
There are of course illegal channels, due to the porous nature of most geographical boundaries, whereby illegals can enter the country without going through the Immigration checkpoints.
The number of illegal workers in the country can never be confirmed but various reports indicate that there could be anything between 480,000 and one million of them, primarily in the plantation, construction and manufacturing sectors. These are sectors that are generating good money because labour costs are kept low due to the large foreign workforce.
For this situation to persist, there is no doubt that many hidden hands are at work. The agents who bring them in without proper documentation know that there will always be those willing to take them in despite the risk. Such employers are equally guilty, and they cannot plead ignorance.
We should, in fact, make these employers pay a heavy fine, not only for hiring illegal workers, but also taking up precious enforcement resources that could be utilised better elsewhere. Corrupt immigration officers who turn a blind eye to such practices, or worse, facilitate the entry of illegals, should be severely dealt with.
The minister must be commended for his frankness in revealing that Immigration tops the list of 10 departments and agencies cited for wrongdoings in a Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission report presented to the cabinet recently.
The first step in any battle is to recognise that a problem exists. We hope all necessary action will be taken to combat the problem of illegal workers.
© The Star. All rights reserved. Reprinted by arrangement with ANN.