KL cracks down on illegal immigrants

KL cracks down on illegal immigrants

KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): Malaysia has hired 300 new officers and will reward informants in a new drive against illegal immigrants, the immigration department said on Tuesday.

Director general Aseh Che Mat, quoted by the official Bernama news agency, said cash rewards would be given to anyone who tipped off the department about employers harboring illegal workers.

He warned that employers face a 10,000 ringgit (US$2,632) fine and mandatory imprisonment for harboring illegal workers.

He said the department had also recruited 300 new officers this month to raid premises harboring illegal immigrants and monitor cases of foreigners who failed to renew their permits.

Aseh said the department would also focus on cases of runaway maids.