THE Indonesians who were detained in an enforcement operation at an illegal settlement in Nilai Spring on February 1, are believed to have no intention of returning to their country of origin but would rather to remain in this country without valid documents, according to the Malaysian Immigration Department.

Immigration director-general Khairul Dzaimee Daud said the settlement that was built on uneven land and in a swampy area was found to have existed for a long time.

“It is located about 1.2km from the main road. There are also metal fragments scattered around and dogs roaming the area. The place is equipped with generators and has a makeshift school that uses the learning syllabus of a neighbouring country,” he said in a statement in Seremban today.

The statement was issued in response to a news article titled “Indonesian Commission (National Commission on Human Rights or Komnas HAM) condemns raid in Nilai Spring”.

He said in the operation, 67 of the 68 Indonesians, aged between two months and 72, were detained for various offences, including not having valid identification documents and overstaying, under the Immigration Act 1959/63, the Passport Act of 1966 and the Immigration Rules and Regulation 1963.

According to Khairul, the enforcement operation at an illegal settlement in Nilai Spring, near Seremban on February 1 was not related to the implementation of the Labour Recalibration Programme 2.0 (RTK 2.0) which began on January 27.

He said RTK 2.0 was aimed at regularising illegal immigrants in the country as foreign workers.

“Illegal immigrants should take the opportunity to apply for the RTK 2.0 to continue to be in Malaysia legally,” he said.

Khairul also said that the department always strives to ensure the welfare of detainees including children and women at immigration detention depots continues to be protected.

He said the matter was also discussed during the meeting between Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail and his Indonesian counterpart on January 31.

Khairul said the entry and presence of foreigners in this country are subject to policies, regulations and the laws of the country, including the need to have valid travel documents and comply with the conditions of the permits issued.

Any action taken by the department was done in an orderly manner to ensure the country’s sovereignty is preserved, he said adding that the department was taking appropriate action to expedite the deportation process of detainees to their countries of origin. – Bernama, February 7, 2023.