PETALING JAYA: The Immigration Department will not tolerate misconduct, abuse of power or breaches of integrity by its officers, regardless of rank or position, says Datuk Zakaria Shaaban.
The Immigration director-general said the department viewed seriously allegations of irregularities involving the issuance of Special Passes by several officers in Kuala Lumpur.
He urged anyone with information or evidence related to the allegations to submit it directly to the authorities or the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) to facilitate investigations.
“Submitting information directly to the authorities is crucial to safeguarding the confidentiality of information and preserving the integrity of evidence.
“Publicly disclosing details of suspected illegal activities before reporting them to the authorities could prompt those involved to stop their activities, change their modus operandi or destroy evidence.
“This could make investigations and enforcement action more difficult,” he said in a statement on Sunday (Nov 1).
Zakaria said the department was open to receiving information on misconduct involving its officers, adding that every report would be scrutinised and referred for further action in accordance with the law and regulations.
He said 849 Immigration officers had faced disciplinary action between 2023 and October this year, including 73 who were dismissed.
“From January to October this year alone, 96 officers faced disciplinary action, including 18 who were dismissed.
“These figures reflect the department’s firm stance in taking action against officers found to have committed disciplinary offences, regardless of their rank or position,” he said.
Zakaria said the department would continue strengthening integrity, compliance with procedures and internal controls to ensure its services were delivered transparently and in accordance with the law.
Earlier, a news portal reported allegations of corrupt practices involving applications for Immigration Special Passes and the possible involvement of insiders within government departments.
The report alleged that seven officers, described as “untouchable”, were operating under pseudonyms.
It also raised questions over whether some officers wielded influence or enjoyed protection that made it difficult for action to be taken against them.
The portal further alleged that Immigration facilities may have been exploited to allow foreigners, including individuals linked to Macau scam and love scam syndicates, to remain in the country.
