SANDAKAN: A total of 790 illegal immigrants were repatriated to their country via Sandakan Port to Zamboanga, the Philippines on Tuesday night.
National Security Council Secretary, Datuk Rodzi Md Saad said 560 men, 188 women, 42 boys and 25 girls between eight days and 70 years old were sent home.
“This brings the total number of 1,567 illegal immigrants deported from January 2018 up to now. We have repatriated 13,540 illegal immigrants since 2017 until now,” he said in a press conference after monitoring the repatriation process at Sandakan Port on Tuesday night.
Rodzi said the deportation of all these illegal immigrants was continuously carried out by National Security Council which proved that the State Government was serious in curbing the illegal immigrants issue.
“Therefore, I would like to remind the public that harbouring or hiring illegal immigrants is a serious offence under the Immigration Act 1959/63 (Amendment 2002).
“Public who committed the offence can be fined not less that RM5,000 but not more than RM30,000 or jail term not exceeding 12 months or both for each illegal immigrant hired,” he said.
Meanwhile, Rodzi pointed out that the repatriation of illegal immigrants had nothing to with politics.
“Political parties are reminded not to make speculation and baseless assumption on the repatriation process of illegal immigrants as it may cause negative implication.
“The government and the National Security Council (Sabah) are always acting in line with national law and are in compliance with the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) set out in this matter.
He said the National Security Council would always strive to enable Sabah achieve its goal of zero illegal immigrants and would not compromise with any party for the safety and prosperity of the people of Sabah.