3 August 2021
A total of 88,034 foreigners have been repatriated as part of the repatriation-recalibration programme, says the Immigration director-general.
Datuk Khairul Dzaimee Daud said 107,524 foreigners had enlisted for the programme as at Aug 1.
He said those sent home include 56,154 Indonesians, 16,194 Indians and 11,510 Bangladeshis.
“Some RM52mil in compounds were collected,” he told reporters after visiting the recalibration counters at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) yesterday.
He said the recalibration programme has garnered tremendous response since the launch of the counters on July 8.
“We also received various complaints from individuals and NGOs on social media. Among the issues is that there is no physical distancing at the counters, lack of kiosks to buy food and drinks, as well as flights being missed due to delays caused by the processes,” he said.
Khairul Dzaimee said to counter that, the department opened 20 new recalibration counters at the car park on level 2, Block B, at the KLIA.
“This was possible with the cooperation of Malaysia Airport Bhd. The waiting area near the new counters are spacious and able to accommodate up to 1,000 people.
“It is also equipped with industrial fans for better ventilation, food kiosks and photocopy services, a surau, and there is spacious seating to enable physical distancing,” he said.
Since the new counters were opened on July 31, he said there have not been reports of anyone missing their flights.
“All foreigners who took part in the recalibration programme should go to KLIA about 24 hours before their flight.
“Besides designated counters at KLIA, we also opened special counters at Stulang Laut in Johor on Aug 1. A total of 109 foreigners have been sent back through this counter,” Khairul Dzaimee said.
Eight counters will also be opened at KLIA2 on Thursday, he added.
“We also expect to open counters at Pasir Gudang in Johor and Port Klang on Aug 15,” he said.
Khairul Dzaimee said most who took part in the programme had overstayed for between three and five years.
The presence of undocumented migrants has led to losses of about RM130mil in annual levy for the government, he added.
Source: www.thestar.com.my
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