KUALA LUMPUR – Despite concerns over a “problematic” migrant presence leading to a recent large-scale raid on Jalan Silang here last week, shop operators in the vicinity are adamant that the majority of foreigners are well-mannered and integral to the area’s business vitality.
While the traders predict an 80% sales drop following the raid, a home improvement store owner, who declined to be named, said that her business had been grappling with recovery since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic.
“I pray to god that my business will be alright. But that is how it is with businesses, there are highs and lows,” she said, expressing optimism about the future.
She acknowledged the authorities’ duty in conducting raids, emphasising the necessity for businesses and foreigners alike to adhere to regulations.
Displaying her business permit on the wall, she underscored the importance of transparency in business operations.
“The authorities are doing their due diligence, they have their duties. We (business owners) and the foreigners have our respective responsibilities too. There needs to be black and white,” she said while pointing to her business permit.
Highlighting the courteous and law-abiding nature of her foreign patrons, she shared that she established her business over two decades ago to cater to those seeking affordable items.
“Would you rather earn in ringgit or pound sterling?
“When you go to another more expensive country, would you aim to save costs by patronising cheaper places, and those that cater to your culture? That is what foreigners are doing here,” she added.
Her daughter, who was present during the short interview with Scoop chimed in, urging people to be more empathetic.
“It’s easy, think about Malaysians in (countries like) Australia. Do you think Australians feel the same way towards us as we do with foreigners?”
Muhammad Ali, a retail store employee, echoed similar sentiments, emphasising the honesty and shopping habits of foreign customers in the area.
He acknowledged the recent raid’s role in upholding the law but anticipated a decline in profits due to reduced foreign customer visits.
“They do not commit any crimes, they come here just to go shopping. Jalan Silang is their Pavilion Mall,” he said.
“We cannot stop them from making a living here either, if they do it the right way and according to our customs. They have permits and licences.
“Those who start businesses here adhere to the terms. But, some people just have unfavourable perceptions of them,” he added.
Meanwhile, an employee of a clothing store near Jalan Silang residing in the area noted instances of assault and violence and highlighted language barriers leading to communication challenges with customers.
She predicted a return to normalcy within a week after the recent customer decline.
“There are some hard-headed customers who act like that because they do not understand our language. But, it is normal. Some (Malaysians) would engage in altercations too if they are dissatisfied with something,” she said.
On Thursday, Kuala Lumpur police chief Datuk Allaudeen Abdul Majid said enforcement authorities had detained 1,101 undocumented migrants, including two children, in a multi-agency operation here.
He added that contraband such as cigarettes, alcohol, and unapproved medicine, totalling RM104,530, were also seized from raided premises in the area.
Yesterday, Allaudeen revealed that three policemen believed to be from the General Operations Office Central Brigade were arrested yesterday on suspicion of stealing RM85,000 from a business during the raid.
Meanwhile, Seputeh MP and DAP vice chairman Teresa Kok urged authorities to arrest irresponsible recruitment agents who abandon migrant workers after bringing them into the nation.
She said that instead of pointing fingers at the foreigners who were caught during the raid, the public should redirect their ire on agents who smuggle workers, hold their documents, and exploit them.
As a reminder, she said that the foreign migrants primarily work in dangerous, dirty, and difficult sectors, while being paid a measly wage – a circumstance that most Malaysians are not inclined to work in.
The incident went viral on social media, with netizens sharing clips and images allegedly depicting the operation, questioning the large number of armed police and trucks blocking the road in the area. – December 25, 2023