Zahid, who is also home minister and Joint Chairman of the Committee of Foreign Migrant Management in Sabah (JKPWAS) said in 2014, 17,720 illegal immigrants were deported and the number increased to 27,769 in 2015.

Between January and May 12 this year, the number of illegal immigrants deported was 9,452, he said.

“The main focus of the committee is to tackle the issue of existing illegal immigrants in Sabah by intensifying enforcement and deportation programmes.

“The second focus is to curb the influx of illegal immigrants by enhancing security control in Sabah waters.

“These efforts could be seen through the extension of the Curfew Order in seven districts, namely Tawau, Semporna, Kunak, Lahad Datu, Kinabatangan, Sandakan and Beluran, which has entered its 42nd phase and is taking effect from 7pm to 5am daily,” he said in a joint press statement with Sabah Chief Minister Musa Aman, who is also Joint Chairman of JKPWAS here today.

The deputy prime minister said through the Curfew Order, all movements of boats and vessels must have approval and a permit from the Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESSCom).

Zahid said ESSCom had also intensified hunts against illegal immigrants in its areas, and had organised 1,823 enforcement operations between 2015 and May 4, in which 11,688 illegal immigrants were detained.

He said the third focus of the committee was to overcome the issue of identification documents among foreign nationals in Sabah and the issuance of fake identity cards by syndicates or irresponsible individuals as alleged by many during the Royal Commission of Inquiry on illegal immigrants in Sabah.

He said the National Registration Department, through the Special Committee on Identity Cards, had investigated those identity cards.

Since its establishment in 1999, a total of 28,510 records had been cancelled and not issued with new identity cards, he added.

– BERNAMA