KUALA LUMPUR: In 2024, twenty-six officers were dismissed for integrity breaches linked to immigration and border control, while 50 "phantom traveller" cases were handled by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), according to Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.
The Minister stated the government's commitment to tackling corruption, particularly in manipulating entry and exit procedures at major entry points like Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA).
"For the record, last year alone, 26 officers were dismissed under Regulation 37. In 2023, it was eight - and that’s just dismissals.
"As for the 50 phantom traveller cases widely reported in the media, MACC took over all of them. Two have been charged and are currently undergoing court proceedings.
"The remaining 48 are at various stages, either recommended for prosecution, internal disciplinary investigations, or governance-related paper reviews.
"These are real actions taken - not just empty talk. Regardless of who they are, our stance is zero tolerance for such disgusting acts," he stated in the Dewan Rakyat on Monday (Aug 4).
This response was to a supplementary question by Datuk Che Mohamad Zulkifly Jusoh (PN-Besut) on the persistent corruption issues at KLIA.
Saifuddin highlighted terms like "counter-setting," "flying passports," "U-turns," or "phantom travellers" as depicting the challenges faced by Malaysia’s enforcement agencies.
"These integrity violations by a small number of individuals have no place in the Home Ministry. We practise zero tolerance for such behaviour," he said.
He revealed that many involved were on suspect lists, including individuals barred from leaving the country due to orders from various agencies.
Saifuddin outlined measures to address these abuses, including digitalisation of entry points, body-worn cameras, strategic collaboration with other agencies, and integrity training programmes.
"Firstly, on the digitalisation of entry points, we are expanding the use of autogates, which will minimise human interaction at immigration counters. By doing this, traveller screening will be fully digital using biometrics, facial recognition, iris scans, and thumbprints, thus removing officer discretion," he explained.
A total of 635 autogates are expected to be installed at 123 entry points, with full implementation expected by March 2028.
On body-worn cameras, a proof-of-concept (POC) is underway for Immigration officers at high-risk entry points like KLIA, with procurement for 614 cameras expected in September.
Regarding strategic collaboration, the ministry is working with the police, Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad (MAHB), and aviation security units to implement an Advance Passenger Screening System by year-end.
This system will initially involve 10 out of 56 airlines operating in Malaysia, providing authorities with traveller information before their arrival.
Saifuddin reported that 185 integrity training courses have been conducted in collaboration with MACC, police, and other agencies under the Immigration Anti-Corruption Plan.
Addressing action against officers suspected of misconduct, Saifuddin noted internal intelligence gathering and arrests would be followed by investigations by the Border Control and Protection Agency (AKPS).
Sanctions may include warnings, fines, forfeiture of emoluments, salary movement delays, demotion, or dismissal.
If criminal or corruption elements are found, cases will be referred to MACC and the police.
Officers under investigation would be reassigned to lower-risk departments during the probe.
Meanwhile, Deputy Dewan Rakyat Speaker Datuk Ramli Mohd Nor suggested incentivising whistleblowers within civil services to strengthen governance.
"Perhaps we should consider rewarding civil servants who whistleblow from within. Nothing can happen unless someone involved or nearby decides to speak up.
"Why not give them some reward, say RM1,000 or RM2,000 or however much the amount is, but do it formally? This could be a way to strengthen good governance," he proposed.
