Top list of illegal workers

Top list of illegal workers

KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): Singaporeans topped the list of illegal professional and skilled workers in Malaysia last year, accounting for more than 50 percent, it was reported here Saturday.

Deputy Home Minister Megat Junid Megat Ayub said that of 21,926 cases detected, 11,926 were Singaporeans.

"We have identified these people and will take action against them soon," he said.

They not only defied immigration laws but also skipped paying levy and income tax by working while on social visit passes, Megat Junid was quoted as saying by The Star newspaper.

He said the Singaporeans worked mainly as consultants for shipyards, factories and resorts.

They were also appointed as directors in companies and acted as consultants in areas of sales and marketing, construction and entertainment, Megat Junid said.

Initial investigations revealed that companies which hired these Singaporeans often collaborated with them to defy the law, he said.