KUALA LUMPUR: The Immigration Department is taking action to reform work processes and service delivery, following reports of "counter setting" operations in Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) involving department personnel.
Immigration Department director-general Datuk Zakaria Shaaban said they acknowledged the weaknesses that had allowed syndicates to bring in foreign nationals using the "counter setting" modus operandi.
"The department is committed to providing full cooperation to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), the police, and other relevant agencies regarding further action following the arrest of the 49 immigration officers related to the 'counter setting' issue.
"The department once again emphasises that it will not compromise with any officer, regardless of rank or position, who abuses their power for personal gain in violation of the country's laws.
"We have reviewed (the matter) and are taking action to reform work processes and service delivery comprehensively, taking into account the feedback and improvement suggestions provided," he said in a statement today.
Zakaria said the department would make it a priority to consistently uphold the safety of the country's entry points.
Yesterday, the MACC said it had arrested the mastermind behind the "counter setting" operations in KLIA.
MACC chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki said the mastermind, a man in his 40s, was arrested on Sept 5.
He was among over 60 individuals arrested. The syndicate involved Immigration Department personnel, agents and foreign nationals who were allegedly bringing in foreign workers illegally.