Locals must stop providing ‘space and opportunities’ to illegal migrants, says Abbas

KUALA LUMPUR: Government enforcement efforts to curb the presence of undocumented migrants and refugees will not succeed if locals continue providing them with houses, vehicles and business opportunities, says Seri Serdang assemblyman Abbas Azmi.

Abbas said enforcement agencies could conduct repeated operations, but such efforts would have limited impact if members of the public continued helping undocumented foreigners establish a livelihood in their communities.

“The government has the power and responsibility to act, but its efforts will not succeed if we ourselves give them space and opportunities,” he said.

He said this was evident in cases where locals rented out houses to foreigners who were willing to pay higher rental rates.

“For example, a local may want to rent out a house for RM900, but a foreigner comes and offers RM1,200. Naturally, the owner will choose the higher offer.

“That is how we give them space and opportunities,” he said.

Abbas said the same situation occurred when locals sold or rented land, vehicles and other assets to foreigners, allowing them to establish businesses and remain in the area.

He also cited an enforcement operation conducted with the Road Transport Department (JPJ), where several vehicles used by foreign nationals were found to be registered under the names of locals.

“I remember there were about four lorries. None of the vehicles were registered under the names of Bangladeshis, Indonesians or Nepalese. They were all registered under local names.

“Some rented vehicles, while others used different names. This is how they are able to operate,” he said.

Abbas said the issue should not be viewed solely as an immigration or enforcement problem, but also as a social issue involving the local community.

He urged residents not to facilitate undocumented foreigners by providing accommodation, vehicles or premises for unauthorised businesses.

“If we do not open up these spaces and opportunities, they will not be able to establish themselves and make a living here,” he said.
300 businesses, only 20 local

Abbas also claimed that data collected during an operation showed there were about 300 businesses in one area, of which only around 20 were owned by locals.

He said the remaining businesses were believed to be operated by non-locals and were not properly licensed.

“Are they licensed? No. They are all illegal, and some have been operating for about 30 years,” he said.

He said the authorities needed to take firm action against such long-standing illegal activities instead of allowing them to continue.

‘Enforcement must go hand in hand with public cooperation’

Abbas said he had carried out several joint operations with enforcement agencies this year, including operations in Serdang and Puchong, and believed they had produced positive results.
However, he stressed that enforcement alone was insufficient.

“I think this is already the fifth operation we have conducted this year. It has had an impact and some of them have left.

“But some have returned. That is why we need to work closely with the residents,” he said.

He also warned against allowing undocumented foreigners to use locally registered vehicles to conduct businesses such as selling vegetables from vehicle boots at markets.

Abbas said residents should understand that every illegal activity created additional pressure on public infrastructure, waste management, roads and other facilities funded by taxpayers.

“This is not just about the government. The people also have a role to play.

“Do not open up the space for them. If we continue doing so, the government’s efforts will be ineffective,” he said.

He added that the authorities, including local councils and enforcement agencies, must nevertheless fulfil their responsibilities by taking action against illegal businesses and activities.

“The government must act, but the people must also understand their responsibility. We cannot create the problem ourselves and then blame the government for failing to solve it.”