PUTRAJAYA, Malaysia - As soldiers joined the police to flush out
illegal immigrants in Cameron Highlands, the Home Ministry warned agents of
these workers and "owners" of illegally cleared land who hired them
would also not be spared.
Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi(photo) made it clear that
the agents and locals who arranged for the illegal clearing of land were also
targets of the wide dragnet.
"Yes, the workers may be the ones who did the clearing
but who hired them? What about the agents who brought them there?" he
asked.
"We are working with the relevant authorities to
investigate and act against all breakers of the law in Cameron Highlands,"
Zahid said after officiating at the 60th anniversary celebrations of the Malaysian
Film Censorship Board.
Defence Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein(photo) said soldiers were called in to beef up the operation following requests from various agencies.
"The army's assistance was sought because the search involves forested areas," he said, adding that the role of the troops would be determined after the Deputy Prime Minister's visit on Monday.
"We will be fair and will not victimise the innocent," he said.
Defence Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein(photo) said soldiers were called in to beef up the operation following requests from various agencies.
"The army's assistance was sought because the search involves forested areas," he said, adding that the role of the troops would be determined after the Deputy Prime Minister's visit on Monday.
"We will be fair and will not victimise the innocent," he said.
Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar said
about 40 illegal immigrants were nabbed during a massive operation Saturday
night.On a claim by migrant rights group Tenaganita that a worker died in the Ringlet detention centre, the IGP said he was unaware of it and would investigate.
Immigration Department director-general Datuk Mustafa Ibrahim said the operation would continue until all illegal immigrants had been removed from Cameron Highlands.
Source: AsiaOne
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