KUALA LUMPUR: The Immigration Department plans to keep a close watch on its officers to curb corruption, leveraging body-worn cameras, upgraded closed-circuit television cameras and making annual asset declarations compulsory.
Department director-general Datuk Zakaria Shaaban told the New Straits Times these were among the measures he would implement to stamp out corruption in the department.
He assumed office on Sept 17 last year, following a counter-setting scandal in which 50 Immigration enforcement officers were arrested for allegedly colluding with a syndicate to smuggle foreign nationals through airports.
The officers were arrested by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission.
More than RM1 million in cash, jewellery, gold, cars and motorcycles were seized from them.
"The use of body-worn cameras and our efforts to upgrade the CCTV network at the counters are among our initiatives to boost and instil integrity among our officers."
He said the department was evaluating work processes at entry points, including stepping up checks on the use of mobile phones.
"This was the main communication medium used by officers and agents involved in the counter-setting scandal."
Zakaria said the department was mulling duty rotations for officers.
"This will involve officers posted to risky or sensitive areas, such as national entry points, for over five years.
"At the same time, our Integrity Division will continue monitoring the officers."
He said 175 spot checks on officers at entry points had been carried out since October.
He said the department planned to ensure major entry points get the Anti-Bribery Management System (ABMS) certification.
The ABMS is an international standard control system for organisations to manage, handle, enforce, evaluate and improve anti-corruption measures.
He said he would not tolerate integrity violations and those who taint the department's image.