KUALA LUMPUR – Local workers in Pudu consider migrants an essential part of the community, despite certain concerns raised by several quarters about the apparent influx of foreigners into the bustling area.
This comes after the issue was raised by certain groups, who argue that the foreigners have contributed to the overcrowding that is felt in the area. They also urged the Immigration Department to intensify its enforcement efforts in the area, in addition to Bukit Bintang and Imbi.
However, this sentiment does not appear to resonate with the people who actually live and work in Pudu.
An employee at a lighting company, who wishes to be identified as Sam, said that some individuals might be bothered by the presence of foreigners in Pudu, particularly due to instances involving drugs, trespassing, and even violent crime.
He mentioned that law enforcement agencies can only take action against the numerous foreigners in the area if they engage in criminal activities, as many likely possess valid documents allowing them to reside in Malaysia.
Sam recounted an encounter with an intoxicated foreigner who had abruptly entered his store and demanded money.
Nevertheless, he said that such incidents are not a daily occurrence and do not necessarily reflect how the majority of the foreign population conducts itself.
“It’s not just foreigners (giving problems), some Malaysians living here are also not right in the head. But usually, they all don’t disturb you,” he told Scoop.
“Truthfully speaking, there aren’t many disturbances. Bad luck leads to only one or two cases, not (incidents) every day.
“People who say that foreigners are arrogant to us, (if fact) we are even more arrogant to them.”
This follows an opinion piece in a local newspaper where a reader bemoaned the presence of foreigners who had “inundated” Pudu and its surrounding areas, particularly during public holidays.
The writer also alleged that certain residences in Pudu have been modified to accommodate more foreigners in a limited space, and asserted that they were dominating the businesses there.
Meanwhile, a pharmacist who goes by Robiyatul said she and her colleagues had formed close friendships with customers from diverse backgrounds.
“We have gotten close to all our customers, regardless of whether they are from Bangladesh, Vietnam, or Myanmar. We are like a family here,” she said.
“We treat everyone equally, as long as they (customers) treat us well, we will treat them well too. Of course, some people are not as nice as others.”
While some theft cases have been reported in the area, Robiyatul said it could happen anywhere, and that she herself had not experienced any unfavourable incidents at work.
Nonetheless, she understood that people will naturally form differing opinions towards foreigners.
Her colleague Bharethi expressed similar views to her, adding that they would serve anyone irrespective of their nationality.
Many foreigners, when approached for comment, declined to speak out of fear of retaliation.
Additionally, claims have surfaced suggesting that foreigners are less hesitant to establish businesses in the area. – August 30, 2023