The government's decision to maintain immigration enforcement despite depot overcrowding is a necessary stand for national sovereignty and legal order. Allowing enforcement to be halted by capacity issues would signal weakness and encourage further illegal entry. Malaysia has the right to control its borders and enforce its laws, regardless of temporary logistical challenges.
The overcrowding problem is being addressed through practical measures such as building new detention facilities, speeding up deportation procedures, and reviewing low-risk cases for release. These steps show that the government is not ignoring the issue but managing it responsibly. Enforcement and humane treatment are not mutually exclusive; they can be pursued simultaneously.
Critics who call for a moratorium ignore the fact that pausing enforcement would lead to unchecked illegal immigration, straining public resources and potentially increasing crime. The majority of detainees have entered or stayed in Malaysia without proper documentation, which is a violation of the law. Upholding the law is a fundamental duty of any government.
Saifuddin's stance is also pragmatic: enforcement deters others from attempting illegal entry, reducing the long-term burden on the immigration system. The current measures, combined with planned improvements, strike a fair balance between rule of law and compassion. Malaysians should support a firm but fair approach to immigration.