CNI News
29 December 2023
Myanmar citizens who will go to Malaysia must fill in the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) before getting to Malaysia starting from 1st January 2024, Myanmar Embassy in Kuala Lumpur has stated.
Malaysia probably has taken this action because of the increase in the number of foreigners including Myanmar who entered Malaysia. Moreover, it was also possible because there were fewer foreigners who left Malaysia after visiting the country, U Nyi Nyi Lwin, director general of the Center for Arakan Refugees, told CNI News.
" A foreigner who will go to Malaysia must fill in the MDAC. Malaysian Government has its website page where he must fill in after which he must have downloaded. And then, the government will have records relating those who will enter the country. Not only the immigration department but also the government can monitor when that person has left or hasn't left Malaysia. It is the Malaysian policy that will strictly take action against the foreigners who enter illegally or the foreigners who come in and don't leave when they must." he said.
While the immigration officers are checking at a Malaysian airport
Although all the foreigners including Myanmar who will come to Malaysia will compulsorily fill in the MDAC, those who have held diplomatic passport, special passport, permanent resident pass and long-term resident pass are exempt from filling in the country’s digital arrival card reportedly.
Those who did not fill in the MDAC - when they arrive in Malaysia, they might be asked to go home from the airport. However, after explaining very well to the officials why they did not fill in the MDAC, if they filled in at the airport, it might be convenient, said Myanmar people in Malaysia.
" I've found that the embassy has released a statement about the MDAC. When I asked those who understand it, they told me that Myanmar workers are not yet needed. We'll have to wait and see the consequence on 1st January. This country's economy has declined as well. Jobs are scarce. Myanmar citizens are finding it more difficult to stay in this country. More and more Malaysian citizens have complained regarding the increase of foreigners. We have been staying here in Malaysia for years. We have never heard that Malaysian citizens have been complaining like that. They have posted the photos of the places where Myanmar and other foreigners stay most, the shops and the celebrations. What are they? Why doesn't the immigration department arrest them? Are they allowed to stay here? Malaysian citizens have been complaining like that." said Ko Thet, chairman of the Lovely Hearts Philanthropic Youths Blood Donation Organization, to CNI News.
While the immigration officers are checking at a Malaysian airport
Moreover, illegal foreigners are being investigated and arrested through operations in Malaysia. Unlike the previous operations, many police vans and policemen are being used for the current operation reportedly.
When entering an area to inspect and arrest, all nearby roads are blocked after which searching and arresting are being conducted with a lot of forces. So, Myanmar citizens need to take care of themselves.
