malaysiang
PORT DICKSON: About 50 enforcement officers of the Malaysian Immigration Department (JIM) who were arrested by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) last September on suspicion of being involved in the ‘counter setting’ syndicate have been transferred to other units. Immigration director-general Datuk Zakaria Shaaban stated that these officers have been reassigned from their original roles and will no longer serve at the entry control counter at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA).
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the officers are currently under investigation by the MACC. They have been assigned different duties apart from their previous roles at the entrance control counter. Zakaria emphasized that JIM maintains a strict stance against any immigration officer involved in integrity issues, promising firm action if guilt is established. He assured that JIM would fully cooperate with the MACC to investigate any personnel suspected of participating in such issues.
The MACC discovered syndicat
e activities facilitating the unauthorized entry of foreigners into Malaysia, involving individuals from countries including Myanmar, Bangladesh, Indonesia, India, Pakistan, and Nepal. This operation was exposed following the arrest of 12 individuals in the Klang Valley, Penang, and Kelantan. So far, 50 Immigration enforcement officers have been arrested on suspicion of conspiring with this syndicate, allegedly employing a “counter-setting” tactic at KLIA.
Zakaria also mentioned that the department is in the procurement stage for installing closed-circuit cameras (CCTV) at all its counters, including the country’s entry points. This development project is intended to be ongoing and will be expanded nationwide. Zakaria noted the potential for additional technologies to assist in digitalizing immigration services and addressing integrity issues within the department.
