Target employers and corrupt networks, not just illegal migrants at 224 hotspots - MCW

Malaysia must adopt a comprehensive enforcement strategy against undocumented migrants, with a focus on targeting employers, syndicates and officials suspected of facilitating illegal activities. Malaysia Corruption Watch (MCW) president Jais Abdul Karim warned that simply focusing on workers will not address the broader issue. MCW president Jais Abdul Karim emphasized the need for a balanced approach that considers national security, economic needs, law compliance, and human rights.

He argued that Malaysia still requires lawful foreign labor in certain sectors, which necessitates a multi-pronged enforcement approach. Jais criticized treating all foreigners as undocumented migrants or associating them with criminal activity based solely on their presence in identified hotspots. He insisted on enforcing laws, protecting workers from exploitation, enhancing governance, and combating corruption to fully tackle illegal activities.

To strengthen enforcement, MCW proposed four key measures. The first was establishing a secure and effective complaints mechanism for public, foreign workers, and government officials to report corruption, illegal employment, and permit abuse. Every complaint should receive a reference number, be assessed based on risk, and have its follow-up action monitored.

Second, Jais called for improved whistleblower protection, urging enhancements to the Whistleblower Protection Act 2010 to safeguard individuals reporting corruption in good faith. He emphasized that whistleblowers' identities must be protected, and threats or job losses resulting from their actions should be addressed seriously.

Third, investigations should extend to the entire network involved rather than stopping with the arrest of undocumented workers. If there is evidence, action should also be taken against employers, agents, premises owners, syndicates, and individuals who accept or offer bribes. Jais urged the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), Immigration Department (JIM), and other enforcement agencies to collaborate in tracing financial flows and identifying parties benefiting from illegal activities.

His fourth proposal involved independent monitoring and public accountability, including regular enforcement performance reports detailing operational statistics, employer actions, case status, and hotspot monitoring effectiveness. Such information could be published in aggregate form without compromising confidential investigations or operational security, he explained.

Regular integrity audits should also be conducted on high-risk processes, with clear follow-up action on identified weaknesses. Recent reports indicated that the Immigration Department (JIM) had identified 224 hotspots across Malaysia, encompassing various locations like illegal settlements, worker quarters, business premises dominated by foreign nationals, and overcrowded rental properties housing undocumented migrants.

JIM director-general Datuk Zakaria Shaaban stated that these locations required continuous enforcement monitoring, with 16,431 Op Sapu operations conducted between 2023 and June 15, 2026, targeting various areas.