The Malaysian Immigration Department has dismissed 20 officers for their involvement in corrupt practices, specifically the illicit “counter-setting” scheme at the nation’s entry points, while an additional 227 officers remain under scrutiny for similar offenses, according to Immigration Director-General Zakaria Shaaban.
The dismissals followed rigorous internal probes and court convictions that confirmed the officers’ participation in corrupt activities. Zakaria clarified that the 20 terminated officers exclude professional management-level personnel, whose cases have been escalated to the Public Service Department for further disciplinary measures.
In 2024 alone, the department resolved 199 disciplinary cases, following 254 cases addressed the previous year. An additional 74 cases, spanning various infractions since 2022, are still under investigation. “We have enforced the severest penalties, including dismissal, against those engaged in misconduct, particularly the counter-setting syndicate,” Zakaria stated. “This underscores our unwavering commitment to upholding the integrity and transparency of immigration services.”
Ongoing Investigations and Disciplinary Measures
Zakaria acknowledged that the disciplinary process can be protracted, often spanning years, due to the need for meticulous evidence collection. During investigations, implicated officers may face reassignment, demotion, salary freezes, or suspension from duty. The 20 dismissed officers and the 227 currently under investigation were previously stationed at key entry points, including Kuala Lumpur International Airport, Penang, Bukit Kayu Hitam, and the Sultan Iskandar Building in Johor.
On Wednesday, reports surfaced of a cartel network under investigation, allegedly involving senior immigration officers who recruited newer staff into corrupt practices through counter-setting schemes dating back to 2017. These schemes reportedly promised substantial financial gains, with non-compliant officers facing ostracism or boycott by their peers.
The Immigration Department is collaborating with the police and the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) to pursue further action against officers implicated in these corrupt practices. Zakaria emphasized that the department’s efforts are focused on fostering a workforce that exemplifies integrity, trustworthiness, and responsibility in safeguarding national sovereignty and public interests.
Strengthening Integrity Measures
To bolster accountability, the Immigration Department introduced a mandatory asset declaration policy last year for personnel in critical roles, including those at entry points and foreign worker counters. Non-compliance with this requirement triggers disciplinary action. “In the first year of implementation, all relevant staff have adhered to the asset declaration rule,” Zakaria confirmed.
The department also hosts the highest number of embedded MACC officers among enforcement agencies, with 10 personnel integrated to enhance internal monitoring and expedite the detection of misconduct or abuse of power. “The presence of MACC officers strengthens our internal oversight and improves early identification of any malfeasance,” Zakaria noted.
The Immigration Department’s resolute actions reflect its commitment to rooting out corruption and reinforcing public trust in its operations at Malaysia’s critical entry points.
