CNI News

10 August 2022

As Malaysian authorities have detained illegal workers from various countries, they are not likely to release Myanmar nationals selectively, Chairman U San Win of the Myanmar Social Assistance Association in Kuala Lumpur told the CNI.

U San Win said, “It is impossible to call for the release of Myanmar illegal workers selectively because Malaysian authorities have detained people who entered Malaysia illegally from various countries. So, it is necessary to call for the release of all illegal workers detained in Malaysia. The government has detained them without discrimination in accordance with the law.”

Illegal workers in Malaysia were allowed to return home or stay and apply for work permits for two years but the process was scrapped in June.

NUG officials at a meeting.

Since then, Malay authorities have cracked down on illegal workers but the public has become aware of the arrests after a video clip about detaining illegal workers on 9th August went viral on social media.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the National Unity Government announced that it had filed an appeal to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Malaysia about Myanmar illegal workers detained on 9th August in Malaysia.

U San Win told the CNI, “It all depends on the Malaysia government. They might be lenient with the illegal workers. If they are not, they will take action against them. If the appeal is successful, Myanmar illegal workers may get lenient treatments and can even get official work permits. I want my nationals to be freed after being fined.”

Malaysia has detained over 10,000 illegal workers form various countries and 115 illegal workers arrested on 9th August were Myanmar nationals.

Malay authorities detain illegal workers.

If those who legally work in Malaysia are arrested, their employers can take them out of custody but no one can apply for bail for illegal workers.

Illegal workers in Malaysia can face at least six months’ prison terms depending on their offences.

As Malay authorities apply strict laws against illegal workers, labour activists have urged Myanmar nationals to come and work in Malaysia legally.

Hnalonehla Blood Donors’ Charity has also advised Myanmar nationals not to come to Malaysia illegally until the end of August.