Malaysian police are arresting undocumented immigrants in downtown Kuala Lumpur including the department store where Myanmar shops are located, according to an official from Myanmar Social Welfare Association (Malaysia).
The team, made of many personnel from Malaysian labour department, stormed the store early on 21 December morning.
“They will check whether foreign workers are documented or not. If documented, they will be released. There are many Myanmar shops and businessmen in this department store,” he said.
The reason for this spot check may be fake or expiring R2K work permits, he added.
“It costs 7000 to 9000 ringgit to obtain a permit. They even broke into some closed shops. If undocumented, they will be arrested for illegal stay. There are similar arrests in other places,” he said.
Aside from MOU workers, Myanmar Social Welfare Association (Malaysia) has urged illegal Myanmar nationals not to come because of the current circumstances in Malaysia.
This is the usual time for Malaysia to conduct mass arrests of undocumented migrants and more raids can be expected as the 31 December deadline for permit renewals and applications approaches, according to the association.
Thit Taw/ZN
