Latest news with #Act700
New Straits Times
3 days ago
- Politics
- New Straits Times
EAIC recommends criminal charges against immigration officer over medical visa abuse
PUTRAJAYA: The Enforcement Agency Integrity Commission (EAIC) has recommended that criminal charges be filed against an Immigration Department officer for alleged abuse of power involving the issuance of medical visas to foreign nationals. In a statement, the EAIC said its Special Task Force, led by Commissioner Datuk Seri Dr Razali Ab Malik, had conducted a thorough investigation under Section 17 of the Enforcement Agency Integrity Commission Act 2009 (Act 700). The investigation revealed that the officer had approved medical visit visas for foreign nationals from several countries despite being aware that the supporting documents were incomplete and failed to comply with Immigration Department Circular No. 10/2001. Razali said the task force had examined breaches in the visa approval process, including reviewing compliance with standard operating procedures, interviewing relevant witnesses, seizing documents and compiling recommendations for further action by the relevant authorities. "The EAIC found clear elements of abuse of power in the approval of these visas, which did not meet the basic procedural and documentary requirements," he said. As a result, the commission has referred its investigation findings to the Attorney-General's Chambers with a recommendation to prosecute the officer under the Penal Code (Act 574), the Immigration Act 1959/63 (Act 155), and the Passport Act 1966 (Act 150), in accordance with Paragraph 30(1)(c) of Act 700.
The Sun
3 days ago
- Politics
- The Sun
EAIC urges criminal charges against immigration officers for medical visa fraud
PUTRAJAYA: The Enforcement Agency Integrity Commission (EAIC) has called for criminal proceedings against Immigration Department officers involved in the unlawful issuance of medical visas to foreign nationals. The findings stem from a probe led by EAIC Commissioner Datuk Seri Dr Razali Ab Malik, which uncovered systemic abuse in granting social visit passes under the medical category. The investigation scrutinised approval protocols, collected witness testimonies, and seized documents before concluding that officers bypassed legal requirements. 'The probe revealed power abuse where incomplete applications were approved despite violating the Malaysian Immigration Circular No. 10/2001,' stated the EAIC. The case has been escalated to the Attorney-General's Chambers under Paragraph 30(1)(c) of Act 700. Charges may be filed under the Penal Code, Immigration Act 1959/63, and Passports Act 1966. - Bernama
The Sun
3 days ago
- Politics
- The Sun
Commission confirms abuse in medical visa scandal
PETALING JAYA: The Enforcement Agency Integrity Commission (EAIC) has confirmed a case of power abuse in the Immigration Department linked to the 'counter setting' scandal involving corrupt practices and visa irregularities for medical tourists. In a statement, the EAIC said its special task force – established under Section 17 of the Enforcement Agency Integrity Commission Act 2009 (Act 700) and chaired by Commissioner Datuk Seri Dr Razali Ab Malik – had completed its investigation into the scandal. 'It was found that there had been abuse of power by Immigration officers who approved medical visas for foreign nationals from several countries, despite knowing the application documents were incomplete and failed to meet the requirements set out in the Malaysian Immigration Circular No. 10/2001,' the statement said. The commission has decided to refer the investigation findings to the Attorney General's Chambers. 'This is in line with Paragraph 30(1)(c) of Act 700, with a recommendation that criminal charges be brought against the Immigration officers involved – under provisions of Act 574 of the Penal Code, Act 155 of the Immigration Act 1959/63 and/or Act 150 of the Passport Act 1966.' The 'counter setting' operation at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) has been under scrutiny since late last year, focusing on claims that foreign nationals were granted medical treatment visas without complying with standard procedures. theSun had earlier reported concerns from healthcare industry experts about loopholes in the medical tourist visa process, alleging that some visa holders never sought treatment at the approved medical centres. In October last year, investigators seized 156 social visit pass application files (under the Medical Treatment Pass category), linked to a syndicate involving officers from the Immigration Department's Visa, Pass and Permit Division in Putrajaya.
The Sun
6 days ago
- Health
- The Sun
EAIC urges disciplinary action against two CKAPS officers for delays
PUTRAJAYA: The Enforcement Agency Integrity Commission (EAIC) has called for disciplinary measures against two officers from the Private Medical Practice Control Section (CKAPS) under the Health Ministry due to lapses in handling feedback and delays in completing an investigation. The EAIC stated that complaints were filed against CKAPS officers in Putrajaya and Melaka for failing to respond to an application for the release of seized items. The investigation was conducted under subsection 27(4) of the EAIC Act 2009 (Act 700). 'The investigation found that the CKAPS officer in Putrajaya failed to provide any feedback regarding the application for the release of seized items submitted by the complainant. It also found delays by the investigating officer from CKAPS Melaka in completing the investigation paper in accordance with the standard operating procedure (SOP) for investigating cases involving healthcare facilities and services,' the commission said in a statement. The delays disrupted the investigation process, prolonging the case unnecessarily. The EAIC has referred its findings to the MOH CKAPS Disciplinary Authority, recommending disciplinary action under Regulation 38 of the Public Officers (Conduct and Discipline) Regulations 1993. - Bernama
New Straits Times
18-07-2025
- New Straits Times
EAIC raps Johor DoE over failure to act on repeat environmental breaches
PUTRAJAYA: The Enforcement Agency Integrity Commission (EAIC) has flagged weak enforcement by the Johor Department of Environment (DoE) concerning recycling premises operating in the Segamat Industrial Area. In a statement today, the EAIC said it launched an investigation under Section 17 of the Enforcement Agency Integrity Commission Act 2009 [Act 700] following a complaint alleging that a premises was operating without a valid licence. "Investigations found that the premises mentioned in the complaint had valid licences to operate. However, the investigation identified several weaknesses in the enforcement actions by the Johor DoE, despite the existence of applicable laws and procedures," the commission said. Among the enforcement flaws highlighted were ineffective penalties in deterring repeat offences, inconsistent enforcement of guidelines across states and districts, and delays in the implementation of revised new compounds. "In this regard, the EAIC recommends improvements to enhance enforcement effectiveness, particularly in the Segamat Industrial Area," the statement said. The commission proposed that the DoE increase the penalty rate for repeat offences, standardise enforcement guidelines at all levels and immediately implement the revised compound on those found to flout the laws. The EAIC further urged the Johor DoE to take firmer enforcement actions here on. "The DoE must take firm action against premises that violate environmental laws. Emphasis should be given to repeat offences to prevent any laxity in enforcement," it said.
