JOHOR BAHRU: An unconventional tactic by the Johor Immigration Department (JIM) to remove all counter-number signage at southern border entry points has proven effective in reducing complaints of counter-setting misconduct by its officers and personnel.
Johor Immigration director Datuk Mohd Rusdi Mohd Darus said the measure was introduced after the department identified tactics used by syndicates to facilitate the movement of foreign nationals through a network of internal personnel lacking integrity.
He said the syndicates were found to have provided undocumented migrants with advance instructions before arriving in the country, directing them to proceed to specific counters without knowing the identity of the officer on duty.
“The syndicates would instruct these travellers, for example, ‘once you get off the plane, head straight to counter seven’. Officers who had received substantial bribes would handle their illegal entry process at the designated counter.
“As a countermeasure, we took the bold step of removing all counter numbers at our entry points. Now, these counters no longer display any numbers.”
Mohd Rusdi said the physical initiative was implemented through close cooperation between Johor JIM and operators of major entry points, including the management of Senai International Airport (LTAS) and sea entry terminals.
He said the operators gave full support to the proposal to ensure there were no loopholes for syndicates to exploit.
“When the counter numbers are removed, travellers will simply 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.”
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 no complaints related to such misconduct.
He said last year, 20 officers faced disciplinary action for involvement in counter-setting activities, while five others were penalised over flying-passport offences.
Commenting on the disciplinary action, Mohd Rusdi said it served as a deterrent and warning to other officers against engaging in similar misconduct.
“When firm action and punishment are enforced, it becomes a deterrent to other officers.
“They already know and have seen their colleagues being punished, so they will think twice before attempting the same offence,” he said, Bernama reported.
Mohd Rusdi said efforts to combat integrity-related misconduct would continue regularly, as travellers who bypass proper immigration screening could pose risks, such as bringing in dangerous infectious diseases or wanted criminals, including terrorists or robbers.
He also urged the public to continue acting as the department’s “eyes and ears” by channelling information on misconduct or the presence of undocumented migrants in their respective areas.
He said the department welcomed public participation and that reports or complaints could be submitted through existing channels, including e-mail, hotline services, physical complaint counters and the Public Complaint Management System.
“I also give 100% assurance that if my officers and staff report integrity-related misconduct, we will ensure their confidentiality is well protected.
“They can also lodge complaints with third parties such as the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission.”
