Home Minister Saifuddin warns employers that hiring undocumented workers threatens national security
Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail cautioned Malaysian employers that employing undocumented migrants could be seen as a national security risk.
Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail issued a warning that Malaysian businesses employing undocumented migrants are effectively aiding threats to national security. Citing recent enforcement data, he reported that 1,692 Malaysian citizens were part of 1,809 employer arrests this year, while total employer arrests have climbed from 346 in 2023 to 1,859 in 2024 and 2,202 the prior year. Immigration Department figures also showed 37,313 undocumented migrants detained in 10,374 operations, with 137,603 individuals checked.
Saifuddin stressed that the crackdown will focus on both illegal workers and the employers who profit from them, urging legal entry and work channels. He added that daily nationwide operations will continue rather than reacting only to high-profile cases.
Why it matters
The warning signals tighter enforcement on illegal labor, affecting businesses and migrant workers across Malaysia.
How this story developed
- Sep 22 Myanmar refugees fear forced returns as Malaysia and Thailand tighten policies
- Sep 27 The one-in-one-out agreement between the UK and France expires on October 1, and France’s interior minister says it will not be renewed. Officials are now urging Britain to negotiate a wider returns arrangement with the EU.
- Sep 28 At least 33 people were killed and 36 wounded when a military airstrike hit Kyauktaw in Rakhine state, according to the Arakan Army and aid worker Wai Hun Aung.
- Sep 29 A government spokesperson did not immediately reply to inquiries about the strike.
- Sep 29 The first wave of 1,476 Myanmar nationals departed Malaysia.
- Sep 30 France announced the pilot will end at the end of October and will not be renewed.
- Oct 1 Malaysia has begun negotiations with Myanmar to obtain security guarantees for future repatriations.
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