PETALING JAYA: An immigration officer believed to have acted as a “facilitator” for a syndicate abusing the online application system for foreign domestic helpers was arrested following a raid in Setia Tropika, Johor Bahru, on Monday (March 9).
The raid was carried out by the Immigration Department headquarters’ Intelligence and Special Operations Division in Putrajaya, with the cooperation of the Johor Immigration Department.
Immigration director-general Datuk Zakaria Shaaban said the raid was a follow-up to operations conducted on March 2 and 3.
He said a 31-year-old immigration officer was detained for allegedly acting as a “facilitator” in processing the applications.
“The operations team also seized a mobile phone and several documents believed to be linked to the activities,” he added.
“Initial investigations found that the suspect is believed to have approved Temporary Employment Visit Passes under the foreign domestic helper category for individuals who did not meet the stipulated requirements,” he said in a statement on Tuesday (March 10).
Zakaria said the officer is being investigated under Section 56(1A)(c) of the Immigration Act 1959/63 and has been brought to the Johor Immigration Office for further action.
He added that two other male immigration officers and a local woman have also been issued notices to appear at the office to assist in the investigation.
Zakaria said the success of the operation reflects the department’s commitment to intensifying enforcement of immigration laws, not only through field operations but also by strengthening monitoring of digital systems to ensure immigration facilities are not abused.
“The department stresses that any attempt to misuse the country’s immigration facilities will not be tolerated and that no protection will be given to any officer involved in misconduct. Stern action will be taken in accordance with the law,” he said.
He also urged the public to channel information to the authorities if they have knowledge of activities violating immigration laws, to help safeguard the integrity of the country’s immigration system and national security.
