[Reader-list] Malaysia cracks down on migrants

[Rana Dasgupta]

Story on the havoc that has been created in Malaysia
by new draconian laws for illegal migrants.  Shows the
extent to which such people have become integrated as
an important part of malaysian society and that the
opposition to their leaving is not from them alone.

R

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/asia-pacific/2163440.stm

Malaysia cracks down on migrants

 
Indonesians were among those taken away

Malaysian authorities have detained more than 100
suspected illegal foreign workers within hours of a
controversial crackdown coming into force. 
The new laws, which came into effect at midnight,
provide for whipping and prison terms for migrants
without permits. 

 
Thousands of people waited for outgoing ferries before
the deadline
 
Correspondents say at least 300,000 illegal foreign
workers remain in Malaysia, though an amnesty has been
extended so no action will be taken against those with
confirmed tickets to leave by the end of the month. 

It was not immediately clear if charges would be
brought against the 135 people arrested mostly outside
a United Nations office in Kuala Lumpur where they
wanted to claim asylum. 

A police spokesman said that decision would be taken
by immigration officials. 

"They are mostly Rohingyas from Myanmar [Burma],
Acehnese and other Indonesians," he said. 

"All of them have no legal documents and will be
handed over to the Immigration Department." 

Mass exodus 

Tens of thousands of foreign workers have fled
Malaysia since the May announcement of the new laws
which say illegal immigrants face fines of up to
10,000 ringgit ($2,600), mandatory prison terms of up
to five years and six lashes of a rattan cane. 

Many of those leaving on Wednesday just before the
deadline were labourers or domestic workers from the
Philippines and Indonesia, which sent naval ships to
help repatriate its workers. 



I don't think I'll come back to Malaysia, I'll try
Bali instead 
 
Allan Surapaty, migrant worker  

Employers have criticised the legislation, saying it
will damage the country's economy, which relies on
foreign workers doing jobs that many Malaysians refuse
to do. 

Human rights groups have also warned that the
crackdown might hit genuine asylum seekers who could
face prosecution if they return home. 

Allan Surapaty, 32, an Indonesian waiting among 1,000
or so compatriots for a boat out of the southern city
of Johor Baru, said he was quitting Malaysia after 14
years spent in construction and other jobs. 

"I cannot stand the pressure from the authorities
anymore. That's why I've decided to leave in this
amnesty," he said. 

"I don't think I'll come back to Malaysia, I'll try
Bali instead," he added before leaving to find a ferry
for the hour-long journey to the Indonesian island of
Batam. 



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