THE government has set up a committee on the Management of Foreign Nationals in Sabah (JKPWAS) to address the issue illegal immigrants in the state.

Home Minister Hamzah Zainudin said the committee is responsible for studying and discussing issues related to immigrants and foreigners in Sabah.

On the proposal for IMM13 to replace Kad Burung-Burung and Census Certificates held by migrants in Sabah, he said the matter was being refined and scrutinised by the JKPWAS.

“It is as a measure to ensure that efforts to document the group can be implemented effectively.

“The proposed strategy of documenting foreigners in Sabah using an existing immigration document such as IMM13 is subject to the provisions of existing laws to ensure that all foreigners, including illegal immigrants, have a valid travel document,” he said in the Dewan Rakyat today.

Hamzah said the committee will enable the government to discuss issues related to illegal immigrants in Sabah, such as deportation to their country of origin.

“In line with the current government administration, the JKPWAS platform is expected to be continued with the same objectives and goals as being one of the government’s efforts in managing the issues of foreigners in Sabah and the security of Sabah as a whole,” he said. – Bernama, August 4, 2020.