Thousands of illegal TKIs return to RI

Thousands of illegal TKIs return to RI

JAKARTA: Thousands of Indonesians working illegally in Malaysia have returned home through the East Kalimantan district of Nunukan which borders the Eastern Malaysian state of Sabah.

No less than 2,000 workers were reported to be returning through the district every day ahead of a Malaysian government- imposed deadline of Aug. 1 for all illegal workers to leave or face being jailed and beaten with a cane.

The Tanjungpura regional military commander overseeing the province, Major General Hadi Waluyo, said on Saturday that at least 10,000 workers were currently in Nunukan.

To assist in the process, Maj. Gen. Hadi said he had ordered his men to join the teams processing the migrants.

"I have also ordered my men at 20 border posts to increase patrols and help find workers who might possibly have lost their way," he said.

Starting from Aug. 1 any illegal workers found in Malaysia will be jailed, fined and flogged. --Antara