Kota Kinabalu: Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) Vice President David Ong has urged the Government to treat the issue of undocumented migrants in Sabah as an urgent priority, warning that prolonged inaction is creating mounting social, economic and security pressures.
He said delays in addressing the problem have already strained public services, complicated enforcement efforts and heightened social tensions, with risks extending to Sabah’s long-term stability and governance.
“The longer decisive action is postponed, the more complex and costly the problem becomes for Sabah to manage in the future. If this issue continues to be delayed, the consequences will not only affect the present generation but will pose even greater risks to Sabah’s future stability, governance and social harmony,” he said in a statement.
Ong stressed that without a structured and transparent approach, the undocumented population would continue to grow, placing heavier pressure on education, healthcare, housing and employment while weakening border control and enforcement credibility.
He called for all relevant stakeholders to be involved in shaping any policy response, including enforcement agencies, employers, local communities, civil society and political parties from both sides of the aisle.
“I urge the Government to ensure that all objections or concerns are raised before a policy is tabled in Cabinet, not after. Once a policy direction is agreed upon, it must be implemented firmly, transparently and consistently,” he said.
Ong added that issuing documentation to undocumented individuals should be viewed as an initial control measure rather than a final solution.
“I wish to stress that issuing a pass or documentation to undocumented persons is not meant to resolve the PTI issue once and for all.
“However, it is an important first step, the beginning of a longer journey, to ensure the problem does not worsen and can be brought under control in a structured manner,” he said.
He noted that the existence of multiple document types, including kad burung-burung, Sijil Banci and IMM13 passes, has created confusion even among enforcement officers.
“This creates confusion, weakens enforcement and undermines the credibility of our immigration control system.
“A single, recognisable and verifiable form of identity would be a win-win approach, providing clarity for enforcement agencies, certainty for undocumented persons, and better control and security for Sabah,” he said.
Ong concluded that Sabah requires clear policy direction and firm political will to manage the issue responsibly and decisively.
