“When they come here, this place will cease to look like our country... this place will start to look like Dhaka because there will be too many Bangladeshis and Nepalis around.”
You may think that the quote sounds harsh or comes from someone who is a bigot or xenophobic but the truth is, this is a common view of most ordinary Malaysians, who have had to grapple with the awkward conditions of living next to illegal immigrants.
Malaysian Digest had spent a few days around Kompleks Kota Raya and Pasar Seni (Central Market) - places in the city notorious for being the choice haunt for illegal immigrants, and we saw for ourselves the vast number of unwelcomed foreigners when they congregate in one place, which can be quite discomforting.
In Malaysia, illegal immigrants are commonly regarded as those foreigners that enter the country illegally, not just from countries like Bangladesh and Nepal, but also from Pakistan as well as neighbouring Indonesia and the Philippines.
Malaysia has a booming economy and thus offers much opportunity for employment, which causes it to be very attractive to people trying to find better lives.
This has caused there to be a huge amount of illegal immigrants entering into Malaysia.
Illegal immigration has caused many problems, including increased violence rates and deadly diseases being brought over from the different countries.
While most come to Malaysia to look for work, others, like people of Burmese descent, are people who are trying to flee persecution.
Illegal immigration remains to be a big issue and has caused many devastating problems for the country as a whole.
It has caused there to be less jobs available for Malaysians. The illegals also brought with them infectious diseases, such as tuberculosis and leprosy.
This problem not only impacts the country, but it also impacts the people who are doing business in places where there illegals gather and mingle.
They are everywhere. pic: mDIllegal immigrants are known to open illegal shops right next door to locals operating a legitimate business.
A local trader known as Kassim, 42, is disturbed by their presence, particularly during Hari Raya and other public holidays.
“I am not questioning their right to make a living but if there are too many of them opening shops and stalls all around my place of business, it can take away my right to make a living too,” said Kassim, understandably upset of the situation.
Also bothered by their presence is Siti Rahma, 26, who said that the illegals often leave their mark by causing damage to public property or leaving their rubbish strewn everywhere.
“We only need to see evidence of their rubbish and vandalism if we go to Petaling Street, Klang Bus Station and Masjid Jamek. This can tarnish the good image of our country.”
Rahma also said that their penchant to chew betel leaf (sireh) also left a pungent smell and spots of red residue (from the colour of the betel leaf).
Meanwhile, a RapidKL worker in his 40s known as Annuar also voiced his concerns of the apparent social impact of the massive influx of illegal immigrants.
“Their numbers are ever increasing and this is not good. They sleep everywhere and have a rowdy behaviour.
“They are a social problem, not to mention posing a risk to health and security to the local community,” said Annuar, looking visibly worried.
As of July of this year, there are about 1.8 million illegals roaming about in the country, according to the Home Ministry.
This is a huge number and should be a good enough reason for the authorities to look into the matter seriously.
The increased rate of the influx pf illegals into the country may be linked to an exponential increase in the incidents of rape, robbery, mugging, drug cases and other criminal activities.
A recent report in
Kosmo! revealed illegals also being involved in drug distribution, therefore this should be a good example of why the authorities should view this matter more seriously than ever.
A concerted effort by the police, immigration and local authorities must be intensified so that it will bring about a reduction in the number of illegals in Malaysia, which if left unchecked, can continue to tarnish the country’s good image.
(Watch our “The Influx of Illegals” video in the
Viral section of Malaysian Digest)
-mD
Post time 17-10-2013 09:45 AM
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