Kuala lumpur: The Immigration Department (JIM) must move beyond its traditional role of controlling the country's entry points and become a key facilitator of national economic growth, while strengthening security, embracing digital transformation, and upholding integrity, said Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the Deputy Prime Minister outlined a four-point mandate as a strategic compass to transform JIM into a department that is more relevant, trusted, and respected. The key priorities are for JIM to facilitate the country's economic growth; strengthen national security and sovereignty; accelerate digital transformation and service innovation; and enhance integrity, professionalism, and humanitarian values.
Ahmad Zahid emphasized that JIM's transformation could not take place in a fragmented manner and must not depend on isolated initiatives or temporary changes. "Transformation requires a clear direction, a shared philosophy, and a commitment that is translated into every policy, every system, and every action. That is why I believe JIM's journey ahead must be guided by the Four-Point Mandate, One Direction for Immigration Transformation," he said.
He made these remarks during his speech at the 2026 Immigration Day celebration themed "Charting a New Face for Immigration," attended by Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar, Public Service Department director-general Tan Sri Wan Ahmad Dahlan Abdul Aziz, and Immigration director-general Datuk Zakaria Shaaban.
Addressing the first point of the mandate, Ahmad Zahid stated that JIM was no longer merely responsible for controlling the country's entry points but must also become a facilitator of national economic growth. He cited the UAE as an example, which has integrated its immigration policies with strategies to attract global investment and talent through the Golden Visa programme, contributing to a record foreign direct investment of RM196.6 billion in 2025.
Regarding national security and sovereignty, Ahmad Zahid remarked that JIM's enforcement could no longer be merely reactive but must be driven by intelligence, data, and technology, while being implemented through closer cooperation among all national enforcement agencies. He noted that modern threats, such as migrant smuggling and human trafficking, have become more complex and organized.
Ahmad Zahid also highlighted the importance of technology in JIM's future management, advocating for the use of big data, artificial intelligence, predictive analytics, digital identity, biometrics, and smart border systems to enable faster, more accurate, and secure decisions. He urged JIM to become an organization that leverages technology to work smarter and deliver world-class services.
He called on all JIM personnel to comply with procedures, exercise sound judgment in making right decisions, and have the courage to do what is right. "JIM is recognized not only for its firm enforcement of the law but also for the professionalism, integrity, and humanitarian values instilled within the department... and when this four-point mandate is implemented comprehensively, we are not merely building a more efficient department. It will chart a new face for JIM as a strategic institution that serves as a bulwark of national sovereignty, a catalyst for economic competitiveness, and a symbol of public trust," he stressed.
At the event, Bernama deputy editor-in-chief of news service Mohd Shukri Ishak, representing the Malaysian National News Agency, received a JIM media appreciation award presented by Ahmad Zahid.