Interior Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution announced that the government will extend the Immigration Repatriation Plan 2.0 (RMM 2.0) from May 19 to April 30, 2026, in Peninsular Malaysia and Labuan.
He said the plan, originally set to end on March 3, is extended to allow illegal immigrants the option to voluntarily return to their home country by paying fines and avoiding prosecution.
He further explained that the fines amount to RM500 for illegal entry, undocumented residence, and overstaying, and RM300 for breaching visa conditions.
Applicants are also required to pay RM20 to obtain a Special Pass (Pas Khas).
The minister continued, stating that children under the age of 18 who violate these laws can be exempted from fines but must still pay the RM20 special pass fee.
He announced this today (16th) at a press conference after attending the Immigration Department's 2024 Excellence Service Awards Ceremony in Putrajaya.
However, Saifuddin emphasized that this plan does not apply to certain individuals, such as those who registered under this plan but did not leave, those blacklisted by the Immigration Department, and those wanted or with arrest warrants by enforcement authorities.
He stated that those with special legal status, such as those married to Malaysian citizens but overstaying, need to personally visit the Immigration Department's visa, pass, and permit unit for handling.
He explained that due to exchanges with foreign embassies, where these countries have informed that their citizens in Malaysia have requested to return home and have violated various Immigration Acts, Malaysia has decided to extend this measure.
He said this year is also the “Year of Enforcement,” and he has instructed the Immigration Director-General to strengthen enforcement actions, especially in hotspots where foreign nationals congregate.
“The National Security Council requires the Ministry of Home Affairs to present a solution for foreign labor issues. The Immigration Director-General has arranged operations involving other law enforcement agencies, such as the police, Volunteer Reserve Corps, National Registration Department, local councils, and other relevant agencies, to conduct large-scale operations.”
He warned employers who hire or harbor illegal immigrants that they will face severe penalties, with a maximum fine of RM50,000 or up to five years of imprisonment and up to six strokes of the cane for employing each illegal immigrant.
He stated that the government is uncompromising on the issue of combating illegal immigration.
“As of the 13th of this month, we have conducted 5,001 operations, inspected 66,590 individuals, and arrested 34,287 illegal immigrants and 669 employers violating various immigration laws.”
Additionally, during the upcoming ASEAN Summit, Saifuddin mentioned that the Ministry of Home Affairs will mobilize 7,227 police officers to ensure the smooth conduct of the event, and the Immigration Department will deploy 2,000 immigration officers at major entry points to ensure seamless entry for foreign delegates.
Earlier, in his speech, Saifuddin expressed his wish to resolve the congestion issues at Kuala Lumpur International Airport and the Johor-Singapore Causeway by the end of this year.
He said resolving the congestion at Kuala Lumpur International Airport and the Johor-Singapore Causeway would solve 75% of the congestion issues.
He stated that the government must ensure that the majority of incoming and outgoing travelers use automated clearance gates.