Kuala Lumpur suspends expulsion of Indonesian immigrants
Kuala Lumpur (AsiaNews/Agencies) The Malaysian government extended the amnesty period for illegal immigrants to January 31, 2005.
Malaysia's Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said the decision was taken to "show that we sympathise with the situation faced by the Indonesian government and people".
Government estimates put the number of illegal immigrants in the country at 1.2 million. Hundreds of thousands of them are Indonesian, especially from Ache, the area that was hardest hit in last Sunday's earthquake-cum-tsunami.
"After receiving a request from Indonesia," Mr Najib said, "the Malaysian government has decided to extend the amnesty period for illegal workers to leave the country. It is one way to lighten the burden of the Indonesian government and people."
The Deputy Prime Minister added that his country was sending a medical team to its disaster-stricken neighbour with much needed suppliesbody bags, clothes and blankets. An Indonesian-made aircraft and a Nuri helicopter will also go to assist in rescue operations.
In the meantime, volunteers continue to search for survivors as Malaysian political leaders trade accusations as to who is responsible for the tragedy.
Opposition leaders are demanding the government explain why foreign tourists were warned of the pending threat whilst local residents were hit by the sudden surge. Had they been warned in time, dozens would have been saved.
They want to know why Malaysian holiday-makers on the beaches of Batu Ferringhi were left in the dark as the danger drew nearer, whilst, just a few kilometres from there, guests at luxury hotels were being evacuated.
Altogether, the 65 dead, the injured and the missing are all Malaysian nationals.
Police helicopters and navy boats are closely searching along the coast for some 60 missing campers.
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30/12/2004
29/12/2004
29/12/2004
