PETALING JAYA: A total of 41 Immigration Department officers have been subjected to disciplinary action over the past four years in connection with the "flying passport" scandal, with 20 dismissed from service.
Immigration director-general Datuk Zakaria Shaaban said the department had taken note of a media statement issued by the Enforcement Agency Integrity Commission (EAIC) on Monday (Jan 19) regarding investigation findings into alleged "flying passport" activities at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) Terminal 1.
He said the department respected the EAIC’s role and function as an integrity oversight body for enforcement agencies and took a serious view of every finding and recommendation put forward.
"As such, the department has taken and is continuing to take follow-up action in accordance with existing laws, public service regulations and disciplinary mechanisms.
"With regard to the reported cases, the department confirms that disciplinary action has been taken against the officers involved in line with the Public Officers (Conduct and Discipline) Regulations 1993," he said in a statement on Thursday (Jan 22).
Zakaria said the actions reflected the department’s firm stance that there would be no compromise where any form of misconduct, particularly involving integrity and public trust, is concerned.
"Between 2022 and 2025, a total of 41 officers were subjected to disciplinary action after being found involved in cases related to flying passports.
"Of that number, 20 officers were dismissed from service after being found guilty of the offences.
"These actions were taken following transparent internal investigations conducted in accordance with established regulations," he said.
Zakaria added that the department would thoroughly examine and deal with every case referred by the EAIC without exception.
"Last year alone, 61 cases were referred by the EAIC, all of which were brought before the complaints committee and acted upon in accordance with disciplinary procedures," he said.
He added that the department would continue to strengthen compliance with standard operating procedures, enhance internal monitoring and implement continuous improvements to ensure its services are carried out professionally and with integrity, in order to safeguard public trust and national interests.
