KAJANG: A total of 77 Immigration officers have been dismissed over disciplinary and integrity-related offences since 2022, says Datuk Zakaria Shaaban.
The Immigration Department director-general said eight officers have been sacked this year alone.
"We have resolved 971 disciplinary cases between 2022 and 2025, with dismissals among the actions taken against errant officers.
"As of May, 23 disciplinary cases had been resolved so far this year," he told reporters after attending the Jelajah Wira Madani Semarak Aidiladha programme at the Millennium Temporary Immigration Depot in Beranang on Wednesday (May 27).
He said the department will not compromise in taking action against any officer who violates integrity or commits misconduct.
“If we find them guilty based on evidence, disciplinary action will be taken, including dismissal,” he said.
Zakaria said between 2022 and 2025 a total of 69 personnel were sacked for various disciplinary issues.
"This year, we have already sacked eight more.
"Among the common offences committed were breaches of standard operating procedures (SOP), abuse of authority, absenteeism, drug-related offences and smuggling prohibited items into immigration depots.
"Some officers were also found dealing with matters beyond their authority, including cases linked to “counter setting," he added.
Zakaria said many people think action can be taken immediately, but disciplinary proceedings take time and are subject to regulations and require concrete evidence.
“We cannot simply punish officers without proof because any decision must adhere to existing laws and regulations.
"Any decision made by the department’s disciplinary board could also be challenged in court," he said.
Zakaria said the 994 resolved disciplinary cases largely involved support group officers, as disciplinary matters involving management and professional officers fall under the Public Service Department’s disciplinary board.
"Other than disciplinary action,
other enforcement agencies, including the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission and the police, had also taken separate actions in cases involving criminal elements," he said.
