MALAYSIA can take action against any foreigner it deems “unwanted” in the country, said Home Minister Hamzah Zainudin.

“The Immigration Department director-general is empowered under Section 9 of the Immigration Act to take action against any foreigner deemed unwanted in this country.

“That is my explanation,” Hamzah told the Dewan Rakyat when asked why the authorities had arrested Mohd Rayhan Kabir, a Bangaldeshi migrant worker who was interviewed by Al Jazeera in its documentary on the government’s treatment of undocumented migrants during the movement control order (MCO) period.

Al Jazeera’s office in Kuala Lumpur was also raided today.

Hamzah was responding to Teresa Kok (Seputeh-PH) who asked why action was taken against the international broadcaster and how Rayhan had fallen afoul of the law.

Rayhan was arrested after his criticisms against Putrajaya’s detention of undocumented migrant workers were included in the documentary titled Locked Up in Malaysia’s Lockdown that aired on July 3.

In the 25-minute film produced by Al Jazeera’s 101 East team, Rayhan had accused the authorities of racism against undocumented migrants, claiming that being an illegal immigrant in Malaysia is not a crime.

Earlier, Hamzah had told the Dewan Rakyat that the government was investigating Rayhan’s employer.

“Rayhan was arrested on July 24 and has been remanded under Section 51 of the Immigration Act for 14 days at the Putrajaya detention centre for investigation.

“Under Section 9 of the Immigration Act, the government cancelled his social visit pass and temporary work visa, and a notice was sent to his employer on July 13. The employer is also being investigated. 

“Any (foreign) employer or employee who breaks the law can be repatriated back to their country,” Hamzah said.

It was reported that Rayhan had been working in a sector that differed from the one stated in his work permit. – August 4, 2020.