JOHOR BARU: Johor Immigration Department clarified that the RM5 fee charged to the university student yesterday was for the passport's plastic cover.
Yesterday, a 23-year-old university student claimed she had transferred RM5 to an immigration officer's personal bank account as instructed when she collected her renewed and fully paid-for online passport.
Its director Datuk Mohd Rusdi Mohd Darus said a thorough internal investigation was conducted.
"The RM5 charged to the student was for the purchase of the passport plastic protective cover.
"After an in-depth investigation, we found no evidence of misconduct or integrity violations.
"The RM5 payment was legitimate and was deposited into the Johor Immigration Sports Charity Club account," he told the New Straits Times today.
He confirmed that the officer attached to immigration's counter at the Urban Transformation Centre (UTC) in Galleria@Kotaraya had properly accounted for the RM5 charged, which was deposited into the club's official account.
He said no breaches of integrity were identified in the process.
However, he acknowledged room for improvement in its operational processes.
"To enhance transparency and public confidence, immigration plans to implement changes in the payment system.
"Moving forward, all payments related to the club's activities will be conducted through an official account managed by the club," he said.
He assured the public that immigration remains committed to upholding integrity and transparency in all its dealings.
He said the public is encouraged to contact the department directly for clarification.