KUALA LUMPUR: The 27 Immigration officers detained in a raid at a nightclub here have been issued show-cause letters and counselling, says Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.
The Home Minister said in a parliamentary written reply that Immigration Department officers are prohibited from being in ‘high-risk’ areas such as entertainment centers, massage parlours, gambling premises, or similar establishments that could raise suspicion or create a negative perception of the department, except when carrying out their duties.
"Regarding the 27 immigration officers involved in a raid at a nightclub, show-cause letters have been issued to the officers to ascertain the reasons for their presence at the premises and to obtain clarification regarding the allegations of drug abuse.
"Aside from that, those involved have been sent for counselling and warning by the state Immigration director, along with the signing of an 'akujanji' on May 3, 2024," he said in reply to a question from Datuk Wan Saiful Wan Jan (PN-Tasek Gelugor).
Wan Saiful wanted to know the action that has been taken by the Home Ministry against the 27 Immigration officers who were arrested on April 26, 2024, at a nightclub. He said the officers had violated regulations as enforcement officers, even though no criminal offense may have been committed.
Saifuddin added that the department, working with the National Anti-Drugs Agency, had conducted urine tests on all 27 officers involved between June 4 and 14, 2024, with the results returned negative.
It was reported that 27 immigration officers were among 161 individuals swept up by police during the operation on a nightclub in Jalan Kampung Pandan, Kuala Lumpur, on April 26, 2024.
Police, however, released the officers after their drug tests returned negative.
