LABUAN – Sabah’s loss of immigration controls have led some “undesirable elements” to use Menumbok Port here to escape the long arm of the law.
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Sabah and Sarawak Affairs) Datuk Seri Maximus Ongkili urged the Sabah government to resolve the infringement of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) Immigration Act.
He said federalisation and the relaxation of immigration conditions of entry into Sabah – especially for sea vessels at Menumbok Port – had resulted in Sabah’s loss of control over its immigration rights.
“There are no immigration controls or checks on passengers, ferry and sea vessels at Menumbok, or at the Kota Kinabalu ferry terminal, which are the entry points into Sabah from Labuan.
“This is a serious loophole. Foreigners, wanted criminals, and undesirable elements are known to have used this route to escape the law,” he said in a statement after today’s dialogue with the Labuan KadazanDusun Cultural Association and Sabahan residents here.
He added that non-Sabahans have been abusing the loophole, and overstaying or illegally working in the state, which contravenes its immigration laws and MA63 conditions.
“Dialogue participants argued that the Sabah government should take the necessary steps to tighten the law or close the loophole in accordance with immigration laws and, at the same time, restore the MA63 rights.”
Ongkili, who is on a three-day official visit here since yesterday, had a meeting with Labuan Corporation and the Brunei-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines-East Asean Growth Area today. – The Vibes, November 27, 2021
