KL to deport Indonesians

KL to deport Indonesians

KUALA LUMPUR (DPA): A fight over a football debt among Indonesians living in Malaysia is likely to result in deportation for 180 undocumented workers, police said Saturday.

Police arrested the Indonesian workers after they clashed repeatedly Thursday night in the town of Kuala Kubu Baru, 50 kilometers north of the capital.

"So far we have arrested 180, they are still in custody and they will be charged with illegal immigration and sent back (home)," said a police officer at Kuala Kubu Baru.

More than 200 construction site workers from Flores and Madura fought several times after a dispute over 30 ringgit (US$7.90) football betting debt.

Local accounts said scores were injured in the clash but the police officer, who declined to provide his name, said none required hospitalization.

The move to deport the Indonesians appears to be part of a tougher line adopted recently by the government against illegal workers.