Sabah govt urged to ‘boycott illegals’

BN-Kiulu assemblyman Jonistan Bangkuai said the move could complement efforts by the federal government to solve the problem of illegals in Sabah.

KOTA KINABALU: A Barisan Nasional assemblyman here has suggested that the state launch a “boycott illegals” campaign as part of its efforts to overcome the long-standing problem of illegals in the state.

Jonistan Bangkuai (BN-Kiulu) told the state assembly sitting yesterday that the campaign should include curbing opportunities for illegal foreign migrants to earn a living or to rent land or business premises in Sabah.

“We, as the country’s citizens in Sabah, should be enjoying the privileges, not them (illegals).

“Perhaps some sectors will be affected, such as restaurants and the construction industry.

“But why in other countries, they can do it (business) without hiring illegals?” he said when debating on the state’s 2014 Budget, here.

Bangkuai said the difficulty to get employed or carry out business could discourage more foreigners from entering Sabah illegally.

He said the boycott campaign could complement efforts undertaken by the federal government to solve the problem of illegals in Sabah, such as the setting up of the Royal Commission of Inquiry to investigate the problem and enforcement operations conducted by the relevant agencies to hunt down illegals.

-Bernama