A Singaporean woman was among 53 individuals deported from Malaysia during the first week of August, according to Malaysian immigration authorities.
The woman was repatriated via the Bangunan Sultan Iskandar checkpoint in Johor Bahru, while the remaining 52 individuals were flown out through Senai International Airport in Johor and Kuala Lumpur International Airport. Those deported included 36 Bangladeshis, 11 Thais, two Vietnamese, two Indonesians, and one Chinese national.
In a statement, the Pekan Nenas Immigration Depot revealed that all deportees bore the cost of their own repatriation. Immigration officials confirmed that every individual has been blacklisted and is prohibited from re-entering Malaysia for a designated period, though the exact duration was not disclosed.
Part of Routine Immigration Enforcement
The deportations are part of Malaysia’s ongoing immigration enforcement measures, which target undocumented migrants, overstayers, and individuals involved in activities that breach the country’s immigration laws. Such enforcement is common along the Johor-Singapore border, where close proximity and high traffic often result in increased monitoring.
While authorities did not disclose specific details about the offences committed, deportation orders are typically issued following detention and investigation, ensuring that offenders are removed in accordance with immigration regulations. The Bangunan Sultan Iskandar checkpoint in Johor Bahru remains one of the busiest border crossings between Malaysia and Singapore, processing tens of thousands of travellers daily.
Blacklisting Means Future Travel Restrictions
Blacklisting by Malaysian authorities can have a significant impact on an individual’s ability to travel within the region. Once flagged in the immigration system, a person may face extended bans from re-entry or heightened scrutiny when attempting to visit Malaysia in the future.
This latest deportation serves as a reminder to Singaporeans and other foreign nationals to ensure compliance with visa requirements and local laws when travelling to Malaysia. Even minor infractions, if unresolved, can lead to serious consequences, including a ban on entry for several years.