Over 30k illegal immigrants in Sarawak

KUCHING - It is estimated there are more than 30,000 illegal immigrants working in Sarawak, mainly in the plantations and construction sectors.

Sarawak Immigration director Datuk Mohd Zulfikar Ahmad said the state's vast geographical areas and its long and porous border with Kalimantan, Indonesia were among the challenges the department faced in controlling the entry of illegal immigrants.

Therefore, the department was considering to offer reward to locals who can provide reliable information to the department.

"Although we do carry out operation and checks almost everyday, we can't be everywhere due to limited manpower.

Hence, another effective way would be information or tip-off from the public," he told the reporters at a press conference held at the state legislative assembly complex here.