Saifuddin: We Do Not Deny That Some Immigration Officers Are Involved In Misconduct
The Home Affairs Minister, however, noted that the "commitment, discipline, and service level" displayed by most immigration officers are good.
Home Affairs Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail today, 5 July, addressed concerns about misconduct among immigration officers after a recent incident involving one of his Cabinet colleagues
According to Saifuddin, the Cabinet held a meeting this morning to discuss allegations of corruption, abuse of power, and misconduct among personnel attached to the Immigration Department at KLIA.
The meeting comes after Tourism, Arts, and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing was involved in a fracas with officers at KLIA, where he was alleged to have forced his way into the KLIA Terminal 1 arrival hall.
Saifuddin said the Cabinet discussed the KLIA incident and that it does not deny the existence of misconduct among some immigration officers, however, it also notes that the "commitment, discipline, and service level" displayed by most immigration officers are good, reported New Straits Times.
"[We agree] that the commitment, discipline, and service level displayed by most immigration officers are good. If not, it would not be possible for the international main gateway to be handled well. But at the same time, the Cabinet does not deny that some immigration officers are involved (in misconduct)," he said.
Saifuddin assured his ministry will give its full cooperation until the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) concludes its probe
"I spoke with MACC chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki. I told him that the ministry is ready to give our full cooperation until the probe concludes. It will tell us whether or not any misconduct happened among some officers," he said during a press conference at the Ministry of Home Affairs headquarters.
He also shared the ministry will introduce several changes at the country's entry points.
One such change will now see the power to deny entry to foreign visitors rest with only senior immigration personnel with an officer grade of KP41 and above, Saifuddin explained.
Previously, it was decided by junior enforcers with a KP29 officer grade, reported Malay Mail.
Another measure for the handling of foreign arrivals will see the placing of help desk officers who can speak languages such as English, Mandarin, Arab, and Tamil to ease communications with foreign travellers.
Watch Saifuddin's press conference here:
Earlier, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim revealed that some immigration personnel are being investigated by MACC:
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