Kuala lumpur: The Home Ministry has declared an all-out crackdown on abuses of power at the country's main entry points, targeting practices such as 'counter-setting' and the use of 'flying passports', which have tarnished Malaysia's image. Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said that any violation of integrity will not be tolerated, warning that such misconduct threatens national security, undermines public trust, and damages the country's reputation.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the Home Minister expressed his determination to wage an all-out fight against integrity breaches, including issues like counter-setting, which are unfair to other officers who perform their duties diligently and with integrity. Saifuddin Nasution made these remarks in an exclusive interview with Bernama, led by Editor-in-Chief Arul Rajoo Durar Raj, at his office recently.
The counter-setting syndicate involves an organised network at immigration checkpoints, where enforcement officers accept bribes to facilitate the illegal entry of foreigners by bypassing standard procedures and checks. Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) raids have exposed the widespread nature of this network, resulting in multiple high-profile arrests involving enforcement officers.
In September, authorities arrested 27 individuals, including 18 enforcement officers, across several states. They confiscated over RM200,000 in cash and luxury goods and froze more than RM1 million held in various bank accounts. To combat this activity, the Home Ministry is focused on ensuring efficient operation of control systems at the country's main entry points, particularly at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) Terminals 1 and 2, and the Sultan Iskandar Building and the Sultan Abu Bakar Complex on the Johor Causeway.
Saifuddin Nasution highlighted that the current Immigration System (MyIMMS) has been in use for 20 years. To address this, the Ministry of Finance has completed the procurement process for the National Immigration Integrated System (NIISe), which is now being rolled out in stages at KLIA and in Johor. The NIISe is expected to stabilise by the first or second quarter of next year and is seen as a key game changer for both the ministry and the Immigration Department.
The Minister noted that the new system, with its sophisticated auto-gate technology, will tackle the issue of counter-setting by reducing the need for physical involvement of officers in the process, thereby helping to reduce integrity issues. He urged regulatory agencies, including the MACC, to take immediate monitoring and enforcement measures to prevent such activities from spreading further.
When questioned about the role of salary levels in contributing to corruption among enforcement officers, Saifuddin Nasution acknowledged the possibility but emphasised that remuneration was not the sole factor. He pointed out that corruption also exists among the affluent and that combating corruption requires a balance between employee welfare, strong governance, and personal integrity.
As part of the MADANI Government's initiative to address the issue, a review of the civil service salary structure is underway, particularly to assist lower-income employees. Saifuddin Nasution concluded by stating that, ultimately, the fight against corruption comes down to an individual's values.