PETALING JAYA: The immigration department is undergoing a review and plans to implement extensive reforms to its work processes and service delivery following concerns raised by Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission chief Azam Baki.
The department’s director-general, Zakaria Shaaban, said these changes would be rolled out soon, Bernama reported.
"We acknowledge the 11 critical weaknesses that have allowed syndicates to exploit counter settings for smuggling foreign nationals,"he was quoted as saying in a statement today.
Yesterday, Azam said these weaknesses contributed to poor internal controls, making it easier for syndicate agents to gain access to immigration officers.
Referring to the arrests of 49 immigration personnel suspected of colluding with syndicates to bring foreigners into the country illegally, Zakaria reaffirmed the department’s commitment to zero tolerance for such misconduct.
He also said the department will extend its full cooperation to the police and MACC.
"There will be no leniency for any officer, regardless of rank or position, who misuses their power for personal gain and breaks the law,"he said, adding that the department is committed to ensuring the security of the country’s entry points remains intact.
Yesterday, Azam said 60 individuals, including 50 enforcement officers, have been arrested on suspicion of involvement in "counter setting" activities at Malaysia’s main entry points.
These arrests were made during ongoing operations – code-named Op Pump, Op Pump 2.0, and Op Setting – which began on Aug 20.
