Tighten measures on points of entry against illegal immigrants

DAP National Deputy Chairman and MP for Kepong Dr Tan Seng Giaw reiterates that the Government tighten the measures against illegal immigrants who enter the country along our long shoreline.

Dr Tan reminded the Home Affairs Ministry on 10.12.2007 during the debate at committee stage on the allocation of RM 1.386 billion for the ministry following the policy debate on the Supply Bill (2008 budget).

There have been migrations of people since the advent of man on earth. In the past two decades, the development of Malaysia attracts immigrants such as from Indonesia, Myanma, and the Philippines.

The official figure for legal immigrants is 2.2 million. We do not know the number of illegal ones. Some say it is 700,000. Without them, some sectors such as agriculture, plantations, and construction will be badly affected.

The implications and the consequences of massive immigration are profound. The Government must study these effects. What has happened to countries with many years of immigration like USA, UK, Germany and France? Germany has a population of nearly 80 million with a report of 4 million immigrants. On the other hand, Malaysia has a population of over 26 million with immigrants of over 2 millions, perhaps 3 or 4 million.

This country has a long shoreline. While there are more than 400 registered points of entry, there are said to be over 700 unofficial points of entry. The ministry must improve its coordination with other agencies such as the police and the army, so that the supervision of all points of entry can be improved.

USA has used modern technology to police its border with Mexico and other South American countries. Still, she has had difficulty in controlling illegal immigration.

Dr Tan Seng Giaw