The Home Ministry has proposed mandatory whipping as punishment to be meted out for illegal agents bringing in illegal immigrants into the country.

Home minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said such punishment will serve as a lesson for illegal agents as they are seen to be indifferent towards enforcement action taken by authorities.

"The fine and punishment is not proportionate. Therefore, mandatory whipping is necessary as well as increase the existing fine so that offenders regret their action," he said.

Ahmad Zahid said this on Bernama TV's Ruang Bicara programme here on Monday night.

He added that the same should be done to operators of illegal gambling machines who show no remorse despite being raided several times by authorities.