The Immigration Department has stressed that it will not compromise in enforcing duties at the country’s entry points, including any illegal practice known as the “raise hand” culture that could threaten national security.
Director-general Zakaria Shaaban said department records showed no official complaints had been received regarding such practices at Malaysia-Thailand border CIQ complexes, even during peak periods.
He said firm action would be taken under existing laws and regulations against any officer found to be involved in such misconduct.
However, Zakaria did not rule out the possibility of isolated cases occurring and urged the public to lodge reports directly with the department to enable investigations.
He said all travellers, whether Malaysians or foreigners, must present passports or border passes during immigration checks as required under Section 6 of the Immigration Act 1959/63.
Zakaria warned that even minor acts of compromise could trigger a chain of security breaches, opening the door to organised crime syndicates and threats to national safety.
He stressed that integrity is not merely a regulation but the nation’s final line of defence, and all procedures must be carried out in strict accordance with the law.
Zakaria also acknowledged that officers stationed at CIQ complexes face pressure from external parties and syndicates seeking to influence enforcement, but described them as the frontline defenders against such practices.
Previously, a crime analyst warned that lax border controls, including allowing individuals to cross without valid documents, could facilitate smuggling and criminal activities.
In November 2025, police arrested eight individuals, including a civil servant, at the Rantau Panjang CIQ complex for crossing the Malaysia-Thailand border without valid travel documents.
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