Monday July 21, 2008 MYT 4:28:04 PM
Caning fails to deter illegal immigrants from returning
By MUGUNTAN VANAR
KOTA KINABALU: Caning has failed to deter 4,326 illegal immigrants from returning to the state to seek employment.
Sabah Immigration Department director Datuk Baharon Talib said that the illegal immigrants were found working illegally in the state after they caned and jailed before being deported back to their home country.
He said the 4,326 illegal immigrants were found working in small towns, plantations, timber mills, workshops, plantations and restaurants between 2004 and June this year.
"Some have been deported up to seven times and we have found them back here based on our statistics," Baharon said, adding that the caning was only imposed on adult males by the courts. Women, children and elderly persons are spared.
Baharon, who was responding to various calls for caning to be imposed on locals found guilty of employing illegal immigrants, said that there had been no caning imposed on employers.
However, he said several companies were charged or fined by the courts for not paying the compulsory levies.
Calls for more stringent action against local employers have been growing in the state where a massive exercise to flush out illegal immigrant is expected to begin early next month.
Chief Minister Datuk Musa Aman has also appealed to local employers to stop harbouring or employing illegal immigrants and urged locals particularly those in rural areas to assist authorities in weeding out illegal immigrants.
The state said it was keen to see all migrant workers properly documented with proper work permits.
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