Immigration Dept sacks 20 officers over ‘counter setting’ graft, probes 227 more
KUALA LUMPUR — The Immigration Department has reportedly dismissed 20 officers found guilty of corruption as part of a “counter setting” syndicate, while another 227 are still under investigation for the same matter.
According to a report in Berita Harian, Director-General Datuk Zakaria Shaaban said the dismissals were made after court convictions and internal probes confirmed wrongdoing.
“We acknowledge that the disciplinary process can take time, sometimes years, as thorough investigations are required to secure evidence,” he was quoted as saying.
“During investigations, some are reassigned, demoted, had their salaries withheld, or were suspended,” he reportedly added.
Berita Harian also reported that investigations revealed senior officers had recruited new staff into the practice, first detected in 2017, with those who refused allegedly ostracised.
Speaking on the department’s disciplinary record, Zakaria reportedly said it resolved 254 cases last year and 199 more up to this week, with another 74 still pending.
He added that Immigration staff in critical positions are now required to declare their assets, with failure to do so resulting in disciplinary action.
The department has also reportedly embedded 10 Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission officers within the Immigration Department to strengthen internal monitoring.
