Malaysia cracks down on illegal migrants

More than 300,000 officials and volunteers were set to be deployed in Malaysia's biggest crackdown against illegal migrant workers, mostly Indonesians, after a government amnesty expires today.

"We will be strict but fair - the operation will target both illegal migrants and Malaysian employers who hire these people," Ishak Mohammad, the immigration enforcement chief who is co-ordinating the crackdown, said.

He said about 300,000 policemen, Government officials and civilian volunteers would fan out across the country to catch an estimated half million illegal workers who have remained despite three extensions to the amnesty since October.

About 400,000 illegal migrants have returned home during the amnesty period. Those who remain illegally will be arrested and face fines, jail terms and possibly lashings with a rattan cane before being deported.