JOHOR BARU: Syndicates are targeting undocumented migrants with tempting but dangerous offers of up to RM2,500 for illegal return journeys.
However, many immigrants were instead embracing the Malaysian Migrant Repatriation Programme as a safer alternative.
The programme, ending Dec 31, allows migrants to voluntarily return home without legal repercussions, with a penalty fee of RM500 and requirements for direct return tickets.
Siti Purbani Suparman, 34, a mother of three, rejected an illegal return offer of RM1,500 after recognising the potentially life-threatening journey by sea.
Originally entering Malaysia legally as a domestic helper, she worked as a household helper and left the job after two months.
"After that I worked to clean houses. I took the decision to go home because I do not have a valid work permit and my mother in Central Java, Indonesia, is old and unwell.
"This programme is good, and the compound is not hefty, only RM500. We need to fulfill the requirements including a direct ticket to the country of origin," she said.
Supiardi Abdullah, a 30-year-old restaurant worker, was approached with an RM2,500 fee to return via an illegal route.
"If someone lacks proper documentation or knowledge, they might choose illegal routes, but the Migrant Repatriation Programme is better and much safer," he said when met at Wisma Persekutuan, here.
Another migrant, Pras Setia Munggaran Ikip Julkipli, 25, said he came to Malaysia to work in a restaurant for a year.
"Suddenly, the employer gave me a week off, and when I returned, the restaurant had permanently closed," he said.
After his restaurant closed unexpectedly, he survived for five months sharing accommodations with fellow countrymen.
He said his friend's employer helped him pay the programme's fee, enabling his safe return.