KOTA KINABALU: Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) president Datuk Chin Su Phin on Sunday urged the government to act decisively on Sabah’s long-standing illegal immigrant (PTI) and identity registration issue by adopting a structured registration system, saying continued delays driven by political resistance risk worsening social and security challenges.
He said the proposal does not involve granting citizenship or issuing identity cards, but introduces a basic legal document to identify, register and manage undocumented individuals in an orderly manner, enabling authorities to know who they are, where they live and where they work.
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Without proper registration, Chin said, enforcement agencies such as the police and immigration operate with limited visibility, leaving individuals uncounted and untraceable and allowing the problem to persist for decades if left unaddressed.
He added that proper documentation would allow legal regulation of employment in sectors like plantations, construction and services, curb illegal practices, support local businesses and help ensure children are not locked out of education and basic opportunities.
Chin said political opposition should not paralyse policy decisions, arguing that firm and principled leadership is needed to implement measures that safeguard Sabah’s long-term social stability, governance and the interests of future generations.
