Over the last few years, there have been many instances where Malaysia is witnessing illegal entry of foreigners in order to participate in various kinds of road races, thanks to the organizers! In other words, the race organizers are not adhering to the country’s immigration rules, thereby encouraging illegal participation of athletes from outside Malaysia.

Various business entities are trying to attract these foreigners to participate in sporting activities and races that offer lucrative cash prizes. For these business entities, Africans make the hot target. The participants are offered with sponsorship, accommodation and in return the entities get a considerable percentage of the cash prizes offered!

For the last four years, road races, such as marathons in Malaysia witnessed mostly participants from Africa, say the country’s athletic officials. The officials expressed that initially they thought Africans taking part in the races had a positive impact in the competitions, since they happen to be a challenge for the local talents. With the participation of the efficient athletes the competitions would automatically climb to a different level. However, later they realized that the business groups were not that genuine who started to sponsor even juniors to take part in these activities.

The instances of illegal participation in sporting activities have recently caught the ears of Datuk Abdul Rahman Othman, country’s immigration director-general. He cleared it that if people are in Malaysia on social visit, they are not allowed to take part in any other activity. And if they do so, they are entitled to violation of the country’s immigration rules. However, overseas students are permitted to participate in sport events, but on one condition- their participation must be sponsored by the respective organizations from where they are pursuing their courses!

Mr. Othman urges the country’s athletic associations and other organizers to keep a check on the immigrants’ status. They are further requested to follow the immigration rules and examine the documents of the foreigners before they are allowed to take part in competitions. Violation of immigration rules is serious offence, where people may be punished with imprisonment and heavy fine. Act lawfully and abide by each country’s rules and regulations!