Workers barred entry to Malaysia

Workers barred entry to Malaysia

JAMBI: The authorities foiled an attempt last Saturday to send 61 illegal workers from Java to Malaysia.

"The workers did not have passports, permits or the other necessary documents for working abroad," said Chief of the Tanjung Jabung Military District Lt. Col. Endang Rachmad.

The Antara news agency quoted him as saying that the workers, one of whom was a Thai, were halted in Kuala Tungkal district, some 125 kilometers from Jambi, before they managed to board a jet foil leaving for Batam Island. They were supposed to continue to Malaysia from the island.

Endang said the workers had paid three brokers between Rp 200,000 (US$ 87.6) to Rp 550,000 for "good-paying jobs" in the neighboring country. The brokers, identified as Sarif, Suwitnyo, and Motip, escaped arrest on Saturday.

The authorities will send the workers home, most to East Java. (imn)