PETALING JAYA: The Immigration Department director Datuk Ruslin Jusoh has stated that public transport operators who unknowingly transport illegal immigrants will not be fined, as they are not authorized to check the status of their passengers. Ruslin also dismissed a viral notice claiming that public transport drivers will be penalized with a massive fine if caught doing so.
The Immigration Department posted on social media on Saturday, December 23, saying that public transport drivers do not have the authority to verify the legality of foreigners and should not be burdened to do so. The department also emphasized that the viral notice on WhatsApp regarding legal action against public transport drivers for transporting illegal foreigners is fake and issued by irresponsible parties.
The Department stressed that no action will be taken on public transport drivers who do not know the legal status of foreigners using their service. The Immigration Department acknowledged that the public transport drivers do not have the authority and should not be burdened with the responsibility to prove the status of their passengers.
However, if they knowingly give protection to those who violate the laws, they can be convicted under Section 56(1)(d) of the Immigration Act 1959/63. The Immigration Department would not compromise and will take action against individuals violating the Immigration Act 1959/63.
“The public is advised not to be fooled by fake news to avoid confusion and worry among the community. Please check with our portal and official social media accounts to get verified news,” said Ruslin. Earlier, a WhatsApp message went viral with an alleged notice complete with the Immigration Department emblem claiming that bus, Grab, KTM, LRT, MRT and taxi drivers risk being fined RM35,000 and imprisoned if they are caught driving with illegal immigrants.
