KUALA LUMPUR: The Immigration Department is set to implement comprehensive reforms to its work and service delivery, following recommendations from the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), says Datuk Zakaria Shaaban (pic).
The newly-appointed director- general acknowledged the 11 vulnerabilities identified after the arrest of 49 officers allegedly involved in a counter setting syndicate.
“We have taken note of the weaknesses that enabled the syndicate to bring in foreigners via the counter setting method.
“We will scrutinise and conduct thorough work and service delivery reforms soon by taking into account the recommendations on improvements,” he said in a statement yesterday.
Zakaria emphasised the department’s commitment to maintaining the safety and security of the nation’s entry points.
“We will give our full cooperation to the authorities in connection with the 49 officers detained in the counter setting investigation. We will not compromise in taking action on any officer who abuses his or her authority and violates relevant laws,” he said.
On Wednesday, the MACC proposed that Immigration officers, including supervisors stationed at the counters of Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) Terminals 1 and 2, should be prohibited from accessing their mobile phones while on duty.
MACC chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki said this measure could help prevent contact with outside parties, although Immigration officers would need alternative communication methods while on duty.
Azam highlighted that current work schedules for counter officers are determined only once they are at their posts, suggesting that schedules should be planned in advance.
He said the commission identified 11 key problems and weaknesses, including inadequate internal controls and non-systematic work rotations at KLIA, enabling syndicate agents to approach Immigration officers.
“That gives easy access to the officers manning the counters as the agents would know who is stationed at which counter beforehand,” he said.
Additionally, Azam noted a lack of supervision that had created significant gaps in operating procedures.
