KUALA LUMPUR: A ban on Immigration officers on duty from using mobile phones has been in place since 2014, but effective supervision is key to ensuring compliance.
Peninsular Malaysia Immigration Services Union deputy president Mohammed Yuzaiman Ahmad said the directive to ban mobile phones was in place and would need to be monitored better.
"Actually, the department has long issued an administrative directive prohibiting the use of mobile phones for officers on duty at the counter. It just requires monitoring by supervisory officers."
Yuzaiman was referring to Administrative Directive No. 3 of 2014: Prohibition on Carrying, Storing, and Using Mobile Communication Devices While on Duty.
"Without effective supervision and monitoring, this issue cannot be controlled," he added, calling for stronger oversight at all entry points to prevent violations of the directive.
Yuzaiman suggested that proper communication systems be enhanced to ensure smoother operations.
"(The department) should improve intercom facilities and provide walkie-talkies to make it easier for officers to refer to cases or handle emergencies," he said told the New Straits Times.
He was commenting on the recommendation today by Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki to prohibit Immigration officers at entry points from using mobile phones while on duty.
Mohammed Yuzaiman also voiced support for the introduction of body cameras for Immigration officers to help maintain integrity and protect the welfare of officers.
"We fully support the proposal for the use of body cameras to enhance the level of integrity, as well as to monitor the welfare of officers when dealing with the public and tourists," he said.
Azam's recommendation came earlier today after investigations revealed that officers involved in "counter setting" were receiving information about the arrival of foreign nationals via WhatsApp.