Its minister Hamzah Zainudin said under immigration laws, the department’s director-general could give out a reasonable amount as reward for information.

He said this in reply to a question from Najib Razak (BN-Pekan) who had asked if rewards could be given to those who provided information on illegal migrant traffickers.

Meanwhile, Hamzah said increased enforcement in Sabah through a holistic approach, including a comprehensive strategic plan to stop illegal migrants from entering the state, was currently in progress.

“We want to create an environment that is not conducive for illegals in Sabah,” he said.

He added that the government was still unable to send illegal migrants from the Philippines back to their country due to the high number of Covid-19 cases in Sabah, but added that the ministry would start doing so once the number of cases went down.

New drug laws

Hamzah also said the government would table a new drug act known as the Drug and Substance Abuse Act 2020 at the next Dewan Rakyat sitting.

He said workshops and discussions were being held with stakeholders, including government agencies and NGOs. “It is now under review and under discussion.”

The act will replace the Drug Dependents (Treatment and Rehabilitation) Act 1983.

Hamzah previously said the new act would increase effectiveness in providing and improving access to drug treatment and rehabilitation.