KUCHING: A joint effort between the Malaysian and the Philippine governments has allowed Dewi Farisha Fazliman and her two children to return to Sarawak safely.
Women, Childhood, and Community Wellbeing Development (KPWK) Minister Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah said that the efforts of many authorities had not only enabled Dewi and her daughters to return home, but their wellbeing throughout the procedure was also well taken care of.
“Thank you to Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, and the Sarawak Volunteers team for their concerted efforts.
“Not forgetting the Malaysian Embassy, Manila; Sarawak Regional Office, Ministry of Foreign Affairs; and the Philippine Immigration Bureau for ensuring the welfare and wellbeing of Dewi and her children throughout the period before she came back,” she said.
Fatimah pointed out that the process of transferring them to a better place, their meals, as well as solving the penalty payment, was one of the main focuses of this joint effort.
“The issuance of emergency passports to enable Dewi’s children, who do not have passports nor are Malaysian citizens, to enter Malaysia, especially Sarawak, has also been done.
“The overstay penalty waivers were also given for Dewi’s two children, making it easier for them to return to their homeland smoothly,” she said.
On January 26, Fatimah said that Dewi and her children would be brought home as soon as possible.
According to her, since Dewi had overstayed in the Philippines, the embassy advised her to apply for a Motion for Reconsideration.
She pointed out that last year, Dewi gave birth to her second child and the fine for overstaying in the Philippines as of January 17 this year had increased to RM29,439.
“On January 19, representatives from the Malaysian Embassy met with the head of the tourist visa unit of the Philippine Bureau of Immigration, Raymond D. Remigio.
“In the discussion, an agreement was reached where the penalty for overstaying will be reduced to RM12,249. This is possible because of our close relationship with the Philippine government,” said Fatimah.
She added that the Malaysian Embassy had also issued an Emergency Certificate (SPC) to her two daughters to travel to Malaysia.
Before meeting with the Philippine Bureau of Immigration (BI) and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), representatives from the Malaysian Embassy met with Dewi and her two children.
“They were staying in Taytay in Rizal, Manila, and were living in a rented room with a shared toilet.
“The living conditions are not conducive to raising children because there are no beds, and the living space is said to be very small,” said Fatimah.
According to Fatimah, Dewi also claimed that drug activities were rampant in the area.
“Immediate action was taken by the embassy to move the family to a temporary shelter at Hotel Berjaya in Makati City on January 19,” she said.
Fatimah also added that Fadillah, who was informed about the incident, has channelled RM3,400 (RM340 per day) to help the family with expenses and accommodation costs.
It was also revealed that the expenses of bringing Dewi and her two children home were managed by Sarawak Volunteers, involving a total of RM24,696, including RM3,400 channelled by Fadillah.
This included their accommodation, living expenses, airfare, and penalty for overstaying in the Philippines.
