Malaysia immigration law sparks exodus

Thousands of people are attempting to flee Malaysia, just hours before a new law comes into effect that allows illegal immigrants to be jailed or caned.

Large crowds have been gathering at ports to try to beat the midnight deadline (1700 BST).

Many foreign labourers, mainly from Indonesia or the Philippines, work in Malaysia's palm oil plantations and factories.

Others provide domestic help.

Government officials estimate that no more than half of the 600,000 illegal immigrants believed to be in the country have left since the new law was announced earlier this year.

Malaysia's construction bosses have warned that the law could bring many building projects to a standstill.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service