KOTA KINABALU: Two high-powered committees will be formed to help find a lasting solution to problems on illegal immigrants in Sabah.

The establishment of the two committees followed the release of the Royal Commission of Inquiry on Immigrants in Sabah.

Chief secretary to the government Tan Sri Dr Ali Hamsa said Home Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman would co-chair the Permanent Committee on Foreigners.

Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan will, meanwhile, chair the working committee on immigrants.

“It (the working committee) will go through issues raised in the RCI report, as well as get feedback and views of the people of Sabah to be forwarded to the Permanent Committee.”

Ali noted one of the findings by the RCI was on foreigners obtaining identity documents through forgery or falsified declarations from community leaders.

“This is where the working committee will study and recommend how this needs to be handled.

“The Permanent Committee will report to the federal cabinet chaired by the prime minister.”

-NST