Govt’s “Broken Promise” Puts Malaysian Lives at Risk

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Deporting foreign workers now is a bad move and misplaced priority, and sacrifices made by Malaysians in the seven weeks of the MCO could end up being in vain.

The government’s move to arrest undocumented migrants in enhanced movement-control order (EMCO) areas may end up putting Malaysian lives at risk, said civil society group Engage.

It said this could result in illegals going underground and not getting tested for Covid-19, which will frustrate the Health Ministry’s contact-tracing efforts, in turn, risking the lives of citizens.

“By breaking its promise of no repercussion for undocumented foreigners who come forward for screening, the government will irresponsibly put all 30 million Malaysians at risk.

“By deporting thousands of undocumented foreigners under the EMCO, the government is causing possibly up to 3.3 million undocumented foreign workers in Malaysia to avoid screening, or go into hiding if they have symptoms or established contact with Covid-19 patients, and frustrating contact-tracing efforts,” said the organisation in a statement today.

It warned that the sacrifices made by Malaysians in the seven weeks of the MCO could end up being in vain.

Deporting foreign workers now is a bad move and misplaced priority because it obstructs the restarting of the economy, especially in industries that are reliant on these workers, added Engage.

Sources told The Malaysian Insight that undocumented migrants were detained at the Menara City One condominium in Masjid India, Kuala Lumpur, this morning.

The Immigration Department and police have yet to issue a statement on the matter.

Menara City One on March 31 became the first high-rise residential building to be put under the EMCO in Kuala Lumpur, affecting some 3,200 residents in 502 units.

The Selangor Mansion and Malayan Mansion flats, also in Masjid India, were placed under the same order on April 7 following the discovery of 15 Covid-19 cases there. The lockdown involves some 5,000 residents in 365 units. – TMI