KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah government has never authorised any non-governmental organisation (NGO) to collect data on foreign workers or stateless foreigners.
It does not recognise any purported foreigner cards issued by any of them, said Sabah Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Kitingan.
Therefore, foreign workers and stateless foreigners must not be misled by the actions of any NGO purporting to collect data or issuing foreigner cards, said Jeffrey.
Jeffrey who is also the Special Cabinet Committee on Foreign Workers and Undocumented People chairman in a statement advised Sabah employers not to register their foreign workers with any NGO.
"Everyone should be aware that the authorised data collection or any foreigner cards issued by any NGO will not entitle the holder to any benefits, automatic acceptance or recognition by the state government," he said.
In relation to this, he reported that the special committee has met the various government departments and agencies and industry players.
It is still in the process of engaging with the other stakeholders before presenting its preliminary report in mid-May to the state Cabinet for approval.
The special committee is aware of the sentiments and wishes of Sabahans on illegals including the objections to the Pas Sementara Sabah (PSS) proposed by the previous Warisan Plus government to favour illegals, he said.
He assured that after the engagements of all the stakeholders, the special committee would present viable solutions to resolve the illegal immigrants problem in Sabah.
"The state government is committed to resolving the illegal immigrants problem in Sabah and will enforce the laws applicable, including deporting them to their home countries," said Jeffrey who is also the state Agriculture and Fisheries Minister.
He further said the special committee has negotiated with the Foreign Ministry to establish a Coordination Committee with the Foreign Ministry on foreigners in Sabah.
The coordination committee will collaborate with the foreign governments to issue travel and identification documents to facilitate the deportation of the illegal immigrants from Sabah.
