PUTRAJAYA: The Immigration Department will implement six reform measures in its workflow process to address weaknesses and combat 'counter-setting' syndicates.
Deputy Home Minister Datuk Seri Shamsul Anuar Nasarah said the reforms include work rotations for heads, supervisors, and officers who have served for over three years.
He said the relevant officers had been identified and transfer orders would be implemented in phases to ensure that daily operations at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) were not disrupted.
"Referring to the 11 key weaknesses identified by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), which have created opportunities for syndicates to smuggle in foreign nationals using the 'counter setting' modus operandi, the Immigration Department will implement comprehensive reforms in workflow and delivery of immigration services," he said in a statement today.
The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) previously listed 11 key issues and weaknesses within the Immigration Department that had created opportunities for syndicates to smuggle in foreign nationals using the 'counter-setting' modus operandi.
MACC chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki said a primary problem was the laxity in internal control during operations, which made immigration officers easily approachable by syndicate agents.
He said another weakness was the lack of a systematic work rotation for immigration officers stationed at KLIA Terminals 1 and 2.
Meanwhile, Shamsul said the second measure was to review and improve all standard operating procedures related to the management of entry points security control, security stamp management, and visitor inspection management.
This, he added, aimed to close loopholes which allowed officers to manipulate and take advantage of existing opportunities.
"The third measure taken by the department was to increase supervision and monitoring including spot checks on heads and officers.
"This is to ensure compliance with the enforceable directives that will be continuously implemented by integrity officers and supervisors. Strict action will be taken against officers who violate these directives," he said.
Shamsul said the fourth step was the improvement of systems which would allow monitoring to be made on daily transactions to detect suspicious activities.
"Fifth, to expedite the installation of closed-circuit television cameras equipped with visual and audio capabilities at strategic locations for continuous monitoring in the control room.
"Lastly, increasing strategic collaboration with other authorities such as MACC, the police, the Customs Department, and other agencies from time to time," he said.
He reiterated that the Home Ministry and the Immigration Department viewed the matter seriously and were continuously evaluating and improving its service delivery.
"We will not protect anyone involved in misconduct. As one of the key departments, we will continue to strive to enhance our capability to provide the best services for the nation," he added.