KL's handling of migrant workers

I refer to the March 1 news item Malaysia set to net 400,000 Indonesian illegal immigrants.

It is saddening the way the Malaysia government has handled this issue. First of all, why does the Malaysian Ministry of Home Affairs fail to control entry that results in an influx of foreigners illegally entering the country?

Another question is why the Malaysian companies employing illegal workers have not been punished. Illegal Indonesian workers are not the only ones who should be punished for illegal entry and working illegally. Malaysia should also punish the employing companies (board of directors and chairmen) for violating the country's laws.

They should be brought to justice in order to serve as a reminder to other Malaysia companies: if they employ illegal workers they will face the same consequences.

On the issue of Indonesia workers not being paid, the offending companies should be brought to justice under Malaysian manpower regulations. The Malaysian government should blacklist them and revoke their permits to employ foreign workers.

JOHAN ABBAS, Batam Indonesia