Latest news with #EnforcementAgencyIntegrityCommissionAct2009
New Straits Times
a day 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
a day 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.
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.
The Sun
14-07-2025
- The Sun
AADK negligence allows drug offender to escape EAIC probe
PUTRAJAYA: The Enforcement Agency Integrity Commission (EAIC) has uncovered negligence in the National Anti-Drugs Agency (AADK) Selangor's handling of a drug-positive individual, leading to the suspect's evasion of follow-up actions. The findings stem from a complaint under subsection 27(4) of the Enforcement Agency Integrity Commission Act 2009. The EAIC stated that the individual tested positive for drugs at a public hospital pathology lab. However, AADK officers failed to secure the suspect's signature on the Letter of Agreement and Guarantee after court bail release. This oversight allowed the individual to avoid further monitoring. The investigation also highlighted weak documentation in tracking efforts. Despite reported operations, no solid evidence confirmed targeted pursuit of the suspect. District-level management's poor supervision further exacerbated SOP violations, leaving the case unresolved. Additionally, EAIC identified gaps in tracing protocols, including unclear guidelines for enforcement officers to enter premises for arrests. The commission has referred the findings to AADK's Disciplinary Authority, recommending action under Regulation 38 of the Public Officers (Conduct and Discipline) Regulations 1993.
New Straits Times
14-07-2025
- New Straits Times
EAIC finds AADK officers negligent in follow-up actions against drug offender
KUALA LUMPUR: The Enforcement Agency Integrity Commission (EAIC) has found negligence on the part of National Anti-Drugs Agency (AADK) officers in Selangor for failing to carry out follow-up actions against an individual who tested positive for drugs at a government hospital. The EAIC said the investigation was carried out following a complaint filed under Section 27(4) of the Enforcement Agency Integrity Commission Act 2009 (Act 700). The commission's findings revealed that AADK officers had failed to ensure the individual signed a Letter of Agreement and Guarantee after being released on court bail. "This complicates efforts to track him down when he did not return to the AADK office as instructed. "The investigation also found that although several operations were claimed to have been carried out to locate the individual, there was no solid documentation to prove that these efforts were genuinely targeted at him," it said. The commission added that a lack of effective supervision by district-level AADK management over their subordinates resulted in a breach of standard operating procedures (SOPs) and Standing Orders concerning bail procedures and case handling. "This failure has led to the case remaining unresolved and unclosed to this day," it added. The EAIC also highlighted weaknesses in the existing SOPs for tracking individuals who fail to report back, including unclear guidelines for enforcement officers to enter premises for arrest purposes. As a result, the EAIC has referred its findings to the AADK Disciplinary Authority and recommended disciplinary action under Regulation 38 of the Public Officers (Conduct and Discipline) Regulations 1993 \[P.U. (A) 395/1993], for negligence under Regulation 4(2)(j) of the same regulation. The commission has also submitted its findings to the AADK director-general, recommending improvements to enforcement procedures and arrest SOPs to ensure more proactive and effective operations in future.
