JOHOR BARU: Removing numbers from Immigration counters has effectively curtailed syndicates that facilitate the movement of foreign nationals at southern border entry points.
Johor Immigration director Datuk Mohd Rusdi Mohd Darus said this unconventional tactic was introduced after they learnt that a network of internal personnel who lacked integrity were being used by such syndicates.
He said syndicates would provide undocumented migrants with instructions before arriving in the country, directing them to proceed to specific counters.
"For example, syndicates would instruct them that, 'after getting off the plane, head straight to counter seven'.
"At the designated counter, the process of their illegal entry would be handled by corrupt officers.
"As a countermeasure, we took the bold step of removing all counter numbers at entry points," he told Bernama recently.
Mohd Rusdi said this was implemented through close cooperation between Johor Immigration and operators of major entry points, including Senai International Airport and sea entry terminals.
He said operators had given full support to ensure there were no loopholes for syndicates to exploit.
"With the removal of counter numbers, travellers have to proceed to any available counter based on the type of transaction, without knowing which officer is on duty.
"This automatically curbs 'counter-setting' activities because syndicates can no longer pre-arrange the counters," he said.
The strategy, introduced under the special committee meeting on counter setting and flying passport issues chaired by Mohd Rusdi, has yielded positive results, with the state's main air terminal now recording zero cases and complaints over such misconduct.
He said in 2025, 20 officers faced disciplinary action for involvement in such activities, while five others were penalised over flying passport offences.
He added efforts to combat integrity-related misconduct would continue as travellers who bypass proper immigration screening could pose risks such as bringing in dangerous infectious diseases or being wanted criminals, including terrorists or robbers.
Meanwhile, he urged the public to continue acting as the department's eyes and ears by channelling information on misconduct or the presence of undocumented migrants.
He said reports or complaints could be submitted through via email, hotline services, physical complaint counters and the Public Complaints Management System. – Bernama
