KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission has obtained a remand order against a man believed to be the key suspect in the 'counter setting' syndicates involved in the smuggling of foreigners through the country's airports.
Magistrate Mohd Sabri Ismail granted MACC's application to remand the suspect, in his 40s, for seven days starting today until Sept 28.
A source close to the investigations said the suspect is believed to have colluded with agents of the syndicate bringing in foreigners via Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 of the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA).
"The suspect was previously detained by MACC in Negri Sembilan last Wednesday and was remanded on Thursday until Sept 23, after an application was made at the Seremban Civil Court in Negri Sembilan.
"Yesterday, the suspect was brought to the Selangor MACC to assist in investigations related to this case," the source said.
Meanwhile, Selangor MACC director Datuk Alias Salim confirmed the arrest and said the case is being investigated under Section 17(a) of the MACC Act 2009.
The Immigration Department had previously said they were taking action to reform work processes and service delivery, following reports of 'counter setting' operating at KLIA.
Its director-general Datuk Zakaria Shaaban had said they acknowledged the weaknesses that had allowed syndicates to bring in foreigners using the 'counter-setting' modus operandi.
MACC has been going after this 'counter setting' syndicate which is believed to have a wide range of networks, including locals, foreigners, and also civil servants, among others for more than a month now.