MINISTER DENIES TRADE IN MYANMAR NATIONALS

KANGAR, Jan 19 (Bernama) -- Home Minister Syed Hamid Albar Monday
acknowledged that many Myanmar nationals have entered this country via the
Malaysia-Thai border but denied that there is human trafficking involving the
Myanmar immigrants.

Certain quarters had alleged that human trafficking activities involving
Myanmar nationals were going on in this country although they could not prove
that they existed, he told reporters after visiting the state Police
Headquarters, here Monday.

"Where did these foreigners get their information? They assume that they
know more than we do. If there is proof, action can be taken. Don't make wild
accusations," he said.

The minister said the authorities in this country must always cooperate with
their counterparts in the neighbouring country to ensure that that was no
incursion by foreigners into this country while illegal immigrants should be
repatriated.

"We have to see how they enter the country. If there is a jetty at Bukit
Batu Puteh (in Perlis), we can solve a lot of problems. Some people smuggle in
goods while some smuggle in human beings," he said.

Syed Hamid said a jetty was needed to enable the Malaysian security forces
to carry out more effective patrols in Bukit Batu Puteh, a coastal area near the
border.
-- BERNAMA