The Immigration Department has put out a stern warning to foreign visitors in Malaysia to follow the COVID-19 rules currently set in place. Those who flout the SOPs risk having their passes and immigration privileges cancelled, said Director-General Khairul Dzaimee Daud.
Furthermore, those found guilty will be deported to their country of origin and blacklisted from entering the country, as per Section 8 and Section 9 of the Immigration Act 1959/63. “In this regard, the Immigration Department advises all foreign nationals to abide by the current directives and regulations of government agencies on the COVID-19 pandemic prevention measures,” said the Director-General.
Local employers or sponsors of foreigners are also advised to be more responsible in ensuring these foreign individuals follow the country’s laws. The statement comes after several viral events on social media showing foreigners who blatantly refuse to follow basic SOPs, such as wearing masks.
One such event is a recording that was uploaded on social media showing a Caucasian woman who was creating a scene at a Dior outlet in KLCC, as the staff refused to let her in without a mask. The woman, now popularly known as KLCC Karen, was subsequently fined RM3,000 by the authorities for not adhering to the SOPs.
More recently, two foreign women were spotted walking around maskless at KLCC Park, prompting the police to open an investigation.
(Source: Immigration Department/Facebook.)
