Penang issued 1,212 E-cards to illegal foreign workers since Feb 15

BUKIT MERTAJAM: The Penang Immigration Department has issued 1,212 enforcement cards (E-cards) to illegal foreign workers since Feb 15 this year.
Department director Meor Hezullah Meor Malik said the cards were applied for by 309 employers.
He urged employers who have yet to register their illegal workers to obtain an E-card to quickly do so.
He noted the program would end on June 30 and action will be taken under the Immigration Act 1959/63 the penalties include a maximum RM10,000 fine to a year in prison.
"I believe there are still many who have yet to register," he said in a press conference today.
The E-card program is a government initiative to address labour shortages in several key economic sectors like manufacturing, construction, farming, agriculture and services.
The card is valid from Feb 15, 2017 until Feb 15, 2018 and only applicable for nationals of 15 countries.
Upon expiry next year, card holders have to apply for the Temporary Travel and Working Permit Pass.
On the number of illegal immigrants in Penang, Meor Hezbullah said the department would could not track such persons as they came without travel documents.
"However, we have identified a total 10,100 in Penang through our operations and rehiring programs last year," he added.