2 Indian nationals nabbed in Bengaluru with nearly 3k slider turtles
Yesterday, Indian Customs authorities stopped two Indian nationals who had just arrived at the Kempegowda International Airport, in Bengaluru, India, via IndiGo flight 6E-1038 from Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) at 10.59pm.
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The Star
16 hours ago
- The Star
Home Ministry adopts zero tolerance approach to KLIA misconduct, says Saifuddin
KUALA LUMPUR: In 2024, twenty-six officers were dismissed for integrity breaches linked to immigration and border control, while 50 "phantom traveller" cases were handled by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), according to Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail. The Minister stated the government's commitment to tackling corruption, particularly in manipulating entry and exit procedures at major entry points like Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA). "For the record, last year alone, 26 officers were dismissed under Regulation 37. In 2023, it was eight - and that's just dismissals. "As for the 50 phantom traveller cases widely reported in the media, MACC took over all of them. Two have been charged and are currently undergoing court proceedings. "The remaining 48 are at various stages, either recommended for prosecution, internal disciplinary investigations, or governance-related paper reviews. "These are real actions taken - not just empty talk. Regardless of who they are, our stance is zero tolerance for such disgusting acts," he stated in the Dewan Rakyat on Monday (Aug 4). This response was to a supplementary question by Datuk Che Mohamad Zulkifly Jusoh (PN-Besut) on the persistent corruption issues at KLIA. Saifuddin highlighted terms like "counter-setting," "flying passports," "U-turns," or "phantom travellers" as depicting the challenges faced by Malaysia's enforcement agencies. "These integrity violations by a small number of individuals have no place in the Home Ministry. We practise zero tolerance for such behaviour," he said. He revealed that many involved were on suspect lists, including individuals barred from leaving the country due to orders from various agencies. Saifuddin outlined measures to address these abuses, including digitalisation of entry points, body-worn cameras, strategic collaboration with other agencies, and integrity training programmes. "Firstly, on the digitalisation of entry points, we are expanding the use of autogates, which will minimise human interaction at immigration counters. By doing this, traveller screening will be fully digital using biometrics, facial recognition, iris scans, and thumbprints, thus removing officer discretion," he explained. A total of 635 autogates are expected to be installed at 123 entry points, with full implementation expected by March 2028. On body-worn cameras, a proof-of-concept (POC) is underway for Immigration officers at high-risk entry points like KLIA, with procurement for 614 cameras expected in September. Regarding strategic collaboration, the ministry is working with the police, Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad (MAHB), and aviation security units to implement an Advance Passenger Screening System by year-end. This system will initially involve 10 out of 56 airlines operating in Malaysia, providing authorities with traveller information before their arrival. Saifuddin reported that 185 integrity training courses have been conducted in collaboration with MACC, police, and other agencies under the Immigration Anti-Corruption Plan. Addressing action against officers suspected of misconduct, Saifuddin noted internal intelligence gathering and arrests would be followed by investigations by the Border Control and Protection Agency (AKPS). Sanctions may include warnings, fines, forfeiture of emoluments, salary movement delays, demotion, or dismissal. If criminal or corruption elements are found, cases will be referred to MACC and the police. Officers under investigation would be reassigned to lower-risk departments during the probe. Meanwhile, Deputy Dewan Rakyat Speaker Datuk Ramli Mohd Nor suggested incentivising whistleblowers within civil services to strengthen governance. "Perhaps we should consider rewarding civil servants who whistleblow from within. Nothing can happen unless someone involved or nearby decides to speak up. "Why not give them some reward, say RM1,000 or RM2,000 or however much the amount is, but do it formally? This could be a way to strengthen good governance," he proposed.
New Straits Times
16 hours ago
- New Straits Times
635 autogates by 2028, bodycams to curb border corruption, passport scam
KUALA LUMPUR: The Home Ministry will install 635 autogate systems at 123 national entry points to enhance border security and curb document fraud, including syndicates involved in the manipulation of travel documents such as the "flying passport" scam. Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said the new systems will rely on advanced biometric technology including facial recognition, iris scanning and fingerprint verification to reduce human involvement and improve the authentication of travellers at checkpoints. The rollout will begin this December at key locations, including the Bangunan Sultan Iskandar (BSI), the Sultan Abu Bakar Complex, Kuala Lumpur International Airport Terminals 1 and 2, Kuching International Airport, Kota Kinabalu International Airport and Penang International Airport. Nationwide implementation is expected to be completed by March 2028. "Among the government's efforts to combat manipulation, such as flying passports and counter setting, is the digitalisation of services, particularly through the expanded use of autogates. "Autogates will minimise human interaction at entry points. Travellers' movements will be processed digitally, without relying on officer discretion," he told the Dewan Rakyat today. He was responding to a question from Lee Chean Chung (PH Petaling Jaya) on corruption and malpractice involving Immigration officers at KLIA, particularly the "fly and U-turn" syndicate, which has tarnished Malaysia's international image. Saifuddin said the ministry is also in the process of procuring body-worn cameras for frontline officers at key entry points, with an initial proposal for 614 units. "We are currently conducting a proof of concept (POC) for body-worn cameras. Procurement is expected to be finalised by September this year, with hopes of securing approval for 614 units. "This is aimed at enhancing service integrity and preventing incidents of border manipulation," he said. He added that the ministry is working closely with the police, Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) and airline companies to implement an Advance Passenger Screening System by the end of this year. The first phase will involve 10 of the 56 airlines operating in Malaysia under the Advance Passenger Information (API) programme. "This method allows us to obtain information about travellers before they even set foot in the country," he said. Saifuddin also said the ministry is conducting awareness, training and enforcement programmes under the Immigration Anti-Corruption Plan, in collaboration with the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), the police and other enforcement agencies. "So far, 185 awareness and training courses have been conducted. Misconduct is a complex issue, but stern action will continue to be taken as a warning to others. "The ministry will not hesitate to act against officers suspected of wrongdoing." He said a total of 26 enforcement officers were dismissed last year, while in 2023, eight were dismissed, all under Regulation 37 of the Public Officers (Conduct and Discipline) Regulations 1993. He added that 50 cases involving phantom travellers had been recorded, with two people charged in court and 48 others subjected to internal investigation based on MACC recommendations. "Following intelligence gathering and arrest, the agency involved will carry out an internal investigation. "If a prima facie case is established, the matter will be referred to the Public Officers (Conduct and Discipline) Regulations 1993, particularly Regulations 36 and 37, under which disciplinary actions such as warnings, fines, forfeiture of emoluments, salary reductions or dismissal may be taken," he said.
The Star
a day ago
- The Star
Indonesian man nabbed in KLIA over fake Immigration stamps
PUTRAJAYA: An Indonesian man was detained Saturday (Aug 2) afternoon after being found with suspicious security stamps during immigration checks at the departure hall of Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) Terminal 1. According to the Malaysia Checkpoints and Border Agency (MCBA), investigations revealed that the man had entered Malaysia via the Pasir Gudang entry point in Johor on July 18, 2022, and was recorded as having left the country through KLIA on Aug 13, 2022.
