JIM says 'many complaints received about foreigners working in restaurants
Malaysia's Immigration Department (JIM) is warning employers against hiring illegal foreign workers after hundreds were arrested for doing so since the beginning of the year, according to reports.
Immigration director-general Datuk Ruslin Jusoh said 900 employers, mostly Malaysians, were arrested between January 1 and August 16 for hiring illegal foreigners.
The director-general said they are now taking action against these 900 employers, who have been charged under the Immigration Act, Malay Mail reported.
"A Malaysian cannot employ illegal foreigners. They need to get legal worker who are registered with the Immigration Department, but they hire foreign workers who have no documents or overstayed," Ruslin said as quoted by the news outlet.
According to the official, he has been receiving "many complaints" about foreigners working in restaurants.
"When we do an operation, apparently they don't have documents, the employer has to take responsibility. We will charge the employer," he said.
"We are strict in this matter. Never employ illegal foreign workers. You must follow the process."
A total of 29,030 illegal foreigners were apprehended in 11,903 operations conducted across 106,432 locations since the start of the year, according to a Bernama report. These individuals were found to be in violation of the Immigration Act and Passport Act.
