ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION (Control measures)

Mr Ang Nam Piau asked the Minister for Home Affairs how many illegal immigrants were detained during the period 1st January to 28th February, 1971; and what plans he has to stop the social and security threat posed by the unceasing inflow of such persons.

The Minister for Home Affairs (Prof. Wong Lin Ken): Mr Speaker, Sir, the number of illegal immigrants detained during the period 1st January, 1971, to the 28th February, 1971, is exactly 119.

The control of illegal entry into Singapore is under the constant attention of the Immigration Department. However, a fully effective air, sea and land control system to prevent illegal immigration entails a sizable increase in expense and manpower. Concerted action is being taken by the Police and Immigration Departments to guard the Singapore coast-line against acts of illegal entry. Special police constables are constantly being deployed around certain beaches as shore patrols, while the Marine Police patrol boats cover the coastal waters. In addition, spot checks and investigations and raids are conducted by the Immigration Department and the Police from time to time to detect illegal immigrants.

When illegal immigrants are arrested, action is taken forthwith against them under the Immigration (Amendment) Act, 1970. Traffickers of illegal immigrants are severely dealt with under the Act.

The inflow of illegal immigrants continues. However, the number of immigrants entering Singapore illegally does not constitute a social threat. As regards security, the position is well under control and there is no threat to our security.

Mr Ang Nam Piau (Thomson): (In Mandarin): Sir, can the Minister for Home Affairs say from what countries most of the illegal immigrants come?

Prof. Wong Lin Ken: Sir, I cannot give the actual number of illegal immigrants from any particular country. But most of them come from Indonesia and Malaysia.

Mr Ng Kah Ting: Sir, will the Minister be kind enough to give the number of illegal immigrants who were detained during the period as asked for in this question?

Prof. Wong Lin Ken: I thought I had given the figure earlier. The number of illegal immigrants detained during the period is exactly 119.