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Daily Express
11-07-2025
- Daily Express
Overstaying: Jail and fine for 10 Pakistanis
Published on: Friday, July 11, 2025 Published on: Fri, Jul 11, 2025 By: Cynthia D Baga Text Size: Dad Shafiq was also fined another RM500, or jailed three months for breaching the condition on his Social Visit Pass which only allowed him to be in West Malaysia but he went to Sabah and stayed. Kota Kinabalu: Ten Pakistanis were jailed and fined for committing various immigration offences. They were Imad Ilyas, Taimoor Khan @ Khan Taimoor, Gul Saqib, Iqbal Hussain, Shah Syed Baliqh, Shah Bakht Biland, Dad Yaseen Khaistay, Dad Shafiq Shad Bakht, Ilyas Ali and Muhammad Shoaib Muhammad. All the Pakistanis pleaded guilty separately before Sessions Court Judge Hurman Hussain, to the charges against them. Imad, Taimoor, Gul, Iqbal, Shah Syed, Dad Yasen, Dad Shafiq, and Ilyas were fined RM10,000 each, in default six months and 12 months, for staying in the State after their documents, namely Special Passes and Social Visit Passes expired. They had overstayed in the State between fifteen days and two years. Dad Shafiq was also fined another RM500, or jailed three months for breaching the condition on his Social Visit Pass which only allowed him to be in West Malaysia but he went to Sabah and stayed. Meanwhile, Shah Bakht was jailed four months for entering the State illegally and jailed another six months for breaching the condition on his Social Visit Pass by entering the State in which the document only allowed him to be in West Malaysia. Muhammad Shoaib was fined RM3,000, or jailed four months for entering the State without valid document. All the Pakistanis paid the fine except Imad who then served the six months in default of paying the fine. They were arrested in different places in Penampang, Tuaran, Ranau, Membakut and the City between June 4 and 23 this year during operations carried out by the Immigration Department. In the same court, a 62-year-old man was fined a total of RM20,000 for allowing four illegal immigrants to stay in the place which is under his control. Yong Yick Thong admitted to permitting the four Filipinos who did not have any documents to be in a homestay construction site in Kundasang, Ranau at 12.20pm on Oct 19, 2023. The court ordered Yong to pay a fine of RM5,000 or four months in jail for each illegal immigrant involved. Prosecuting Officers Hairul Bona and Norizan Awang Tanda prosecuted. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Time Business News
01-07-2025
- Time Business News
How Long Can a Singaporean Stay in Malaysia Without a Visa?
Planning a quick getaway to Malaysia or perhaps a longer stay? Singaporeans have it easy when it comes to traveling to Malaysia, but you might wonder: how long can a Singaporean stay in Malaysia? Whether it's a short trip for shopping in Johor Bahru or a relaxing holiday in Langkawi, this guide has everything you need to know about stay duration, extensions, and long-term living options. Visa-Free Stay for Singaporeans in Malaysia What Does Visa-Free Stay Mean? For Singaporeans, traveling to Malaysia is as easy as hopping across the Causeway. You don't need a visa for short visits! As a Singaporean citizen, you can enjoy up to 30 days in Malaysia without any paperwork—just a valid passport (with at least six months' validity) and you're good to go. The border authorities will issue a Social Visit Pass upon arrival, and that's it! Why Can Singaporeans Stay in Malaysia for 30 Days Without a Visa? Malaysia and Singapore share a long history of strong ties, including a convenient and visa-free travel agreement. This allows Singaporeans to stay in Malaysia for up to 30 days, making it easy to visit for business, tourism, or family reasons. The 30-day stay is ideal for short, spontaneous trips, and it's one of the many perks of living so close to each other! Extending Your Stay in Malaysia How to Request a Stay Extension Beyond 30 Days What if you want to stay longer than the 30 days? No problem! While you can't automatically extend your stay, you can request an extension. All you need to do is visit a Malaysian Immigration Office (such as in Johor Bahru or Kuala Lumpur) before your 30-day stay expires. Explain why you need extra time, like visiting family or finishing up some business, and provide any supporting documents (such as flight tickets or family letters). It's important to note that extensions aren't guaranteed. The immigration officer will make the final decision based on the provided reason and documentation. What Documents Are Needed for Extension? To extend your stay, you'll need to bring: Your passport with a valid Social Visit Pass stamp with a valid stamp Proof of why you need to stay longer (e.g., a letter from family or tickets for a delayed return flight) (e.g., a letter from family or tickets for a delayed return flight) Any supporting documents that back up your reason for staying (such as hotel bookings or business meetings). Is Extension Guaranteed? Extensions are possible, but they aren't automatic. While some travelers successfully extend their stays, it's at the discretion of the immigration officer. If you're planning to stay longer, it's a good idea to arrive at the immigration office well before your 30-day mark to ensure all your paperwork is in order. Long-Term Stay Options for Singaporeans Work and Study Visas If you're planning to work or study in Malaysia, you'll need a proper visa. Singaporeans can apply for an Employment Pass if they've secured a job in Malaysia, or a Student Pass if they're attending a university or educational institution. Employment Pass : Generally valid for 1 to 2 years, renewable as long as you stay employed. : Generally valid for 1 to 2 years, renewable as long as you stay employed. Student Pass: Also valid for 1 to 2 years, renewable as long as you're enrolled in a Malaysian educational institution. Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) Program For those looking to stay in Malaysia long-term, the Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) program is a great option. This program allows retirees or those who can prove financial stability to live in Malaysia for up to 10 years. To qualify, you need to meet specific financial requirements, such as having a fixed deposit in a Malaysian bank. The MM2H program is perfect for those looking to enjoy a relaxed, affordable lifestyle in Malaysia. Overstaying in Malaysia – Risks and Penalties What Happens If You Overstay in Malaysia? It's important to stick to the rules and avoid overstaying your welcome in Malaysia. If you overstay your 30-day visa-free stay, the penalties can be steep. Here's what you might face: 1-3 days overstay : A RM 3,000 fine . : A . Over a week : A fine + potential jail time . : A . Repeated overstays: You may face a ban from Malaysia, meaning you won't be allowed to enter for a certain period. How to Handle an Overstay Situation If you find yourself in an overstaying situation due to unforeseen circumstances (like a delayed flight), you should contact the Singapore High Commission in Kuala Lumpur immediately. They can help you navigate the process and minimize the penalties. The earlier you take action, the better! Practical Tips for Singaporeans Visiting Malaysia Best Time to Visit Malaysia Malaysia is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit depends on what you're looking to do. The dry season from March to September is perfect for beach vacations, trekking, and outdoor activities. However, if you don't mind the rain, October to February is the monsoon season, especially on the east coast, but it's also when Malaysia celebrates major festivals like Chinese New Year and Hari Raya. Crossing the Border – What You Need to Know Whether you're driving, taking a bus, or catching a train, crossing the border from Singapore to Malaysia is relatively straightforward, but it's always best to plan ahead. If you're driving, remember that you'll need a Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP) for your car, which you can get online. You can also take the Causeway Link bus or the KTM train, both of which offer quick and affordable crossings. Currency and Communication Tips Before heading to Malaysia, make sure you have Malaysian Ringgit (MYR) on hand. Currently, 1 SGD = 3.5 MYR. You can also purchase a local SIM card at the Singapore-Malaysia border to stay connected while traveling. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Can Singaporeans extend their stay in Malaysia beyond 30 days? Yes, it's possible to extend your stay, but you'll need to visit a Malaysian Immigration Office and provide valid reasons and supporting documents for the extension. Extensions are not guaranteed. How can a Singaporean apply for a student or work visa for Malaysia? Singaporeans can apply for a Student Pass to study in Malaysia or an Employment Pass if they've secured a job. Both are valid for 1-2 years and are renewable. What happens if a Singaporean overstays in Malaysia? Overstaying can result in a fine, jail time, or even a ban from entering Malaysia again. If you're caught overstaying, it's best to contact the Singapore High Commission for assistance. Can Singaporeans enter Malaysia without a visa for business purposes? Yes, Singaporeans can enter Malaysia without a visa for short-term business visits (up to 30 days), just like for tourism. How can I avoid long waits when crossing the Causeway? To avoid long wait times, try crossing the border during off-peak hours (early morning or late at night) and consider using apps like 'Beat the Jam' to check traffic conditions. By following the rules and understanding your options, Singaporeans can enjoy smooth and hassle-free stays in Malaysia, whether it's for a short visit or a longer stay. If you're planning your trip and need to apply for a Malaysia eVisa Online, visit for all the details and a simple, straightforward application process. Pack your bags, grab your passport, and get ready for your next adventure in Malaysia. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Borneo Post
14-05-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Sabah targets undocumented workers with new labour system
Wan Zulkfli (second from left) and Rosli (second from right) giving their thumbs up at the event. KOTA KINABALU (May 14): The Sabah Labour Department (JTK Sabah) is developing a comprehensive system to manage the employment of non-resident workers — covering recruitment, employment and repatriation — through 12 key modules. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for access to the Integrated Management System for the Employment of Non-Resident Workers (eNORES) was signed on Wednesday with seven regulatory agencies directly involved in managing non-resident workers in Sabah. These agencies are State and Research Affairs Office, Chief Minister's Department; Sabah Human Resource Development Department; Industrial Development and Research Department (DIDR) Sabah; Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA); Malaysia Immigration Department; Sabah Agriculture Department; Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB). 'The purpose of this MoU is to enable regulatory agencies to access relevant data, supporting policy development and implementation,' said Sabah Federal Secretary Dato' Seri Rosli Isa when officiating the launch of eNORES. The system is expected to benefit 187,000 employers and 2.1 million workers, excluding undocumented immigrants. Rosli disclosed that 2.1 million workers were registered in Sabah during the fourth quarter of last year. This figure includes both local workers and those holding a Social Visit Pass for employment purposes. He also estimated that around 600,000 undocumented migrant workers are currently in Sabah. 'This number is only an estimate, as the actual figure remains unknown,' he said, adding that most of these undocumented workers are employed in the plantation sector. Rosli also launched the Tripartite Convention on Sabah Labour: 2025 Sabah Labour Ordinance Act (Amendment), held in conjunction with the Labour Education Adventure Series 1/2025 (East Coast: Kota Kinabalu, Sandakan, Lahad Datu and Tawau) at the Shangri-La Tanjung Aru Resort. He added that JTK Sabah along with employers, has been tasked with a thorough worker registration process to ensure no undocumented migrants are employed in the state. Meanwhile, JTK Sabah director Wan Zulkfli Wan Setapa shared that the Sabah Labour Ordinance, first enforced in 1950, has only undergone two amendments since. Effective May 1, 2025, all workers in Sabah — regardless of salary or type of employment — are now covered under the Ordinance. Female workers are now entitled to 98 days of maternity leave, aligning Sabah's policy with Peninsular Malaysia's provisions that came into effect in January 2023. Fathers are now entitled to seven days of paternity leave, a provision previously unavailable. Additionally, to promote better work-life balance, amendments have reduced weekly working hours from 48 to 45 hours.
Daily Express
30-04-2025
- Daily Express
Woman who overstayed 22 years to ‘stay on' a year
Published on: Wednesday, April 30, 2025 Published on: Wed, Apr 30, 2025 By: Cynthia D Baga Text Size: The offence under Section 15(1)(c) of the Immigration Act carries a jail term of up to five years, or a minimum fine of RM12,000, or both, on conviction. Kota Kinabalu: An Indonesian woman who had overstayed in Sabah for 22 years and seven months, was ordered to stay in prison for a year. Rovina Bulu Sanga pleaded guilty before Sessions Court Judge Hurman Hussain, to the charge against her. She was detained on Apr 15 this year at 10.15am in Keningau after she produced her Social Visit Pass which had expired on Sept 15, 2002. The offence under Section 15(1)(c) of the Immigration Act carries a jail term of up to five years, or a minimum fine of RM12,000, or both, on conviction. The court ordered Rovina to serve the jail sentence from the date of her arrest and referred to the Immigration Department for further action after completing the sentence. In the same court, a 32-year-old woman was fined RM5,000 or spend three months in prison for allowing an illegal immigrant to stay in the premises under her control. Nur Shafira Adilya Mathius Abdullah pleaded guilty before Sessions Court Judge Hurman Hussain, to permitting a 61-year-old Indonesian woman to stay in the Tawau Delight Restoran in Sipitang. The charge stated that the Indonesian did not have any identity document and Nur Shafirah was found committing the offence at 10.10am on Nov 19, 2024. Meanwhile, eight illegal immigrants were jailed four months each for entering the State without document. They were Dayang Mohammad, Surianti Sendo, Rudianto Arshad, Jimbar Ammook, Kendong Sagun, Adzmjn Aminusin, Jufri Dadda and Muh Tahir. All of them admitted to entering the State illegally and were arrested in Keningau recently during an operation conducted by the Immigration Department. The eight failed to produce their identity documents to the immigration personnel. Prosecuting Officer Norizan Awang Tanda prosecuted. After serving the jail sentence, the illegals were ordered referred to the Immigration Department for deportation * Follow us on Instagram and join our Telegram and/or WhatsApp channel(s) for the latest news you don't want to miss. * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
