Kuala lumpur: A total of 81 Immigration Department officers and rank-and-file personnel faced disciplinary action for abuse of power and corruption between January 1 and June 30 this year. Immigration director-general Datuk Zakaria Shaaban confirmed that out of that number, 14 individuals were dismissed from service.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the internal enforcement actions underscore the department's commitment to addressing misconduct within the agency. Zakaria highlighted that from 2023 to 2026, a total of 834 immigration officers have faced disciplinary action, with 69 dismissed from service. These remarks were made during the Jalinan Imigresen Bersama Media 2026 programme.
Zakaria also commented on the latest arrests of immigration officers by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), confirming that 11 officers are currently detained to assist investigations into abuse of power and corruption. The arrests involved officers stationed in the Federal Territory, Negeri Sembilan, and Selangor. He emphasized that the department will never compromise on misconduct by officers, whether they colluded or conspired with any party for personal gain. All detained officers will be relieved of their core duties pending the MACC's investigation to ensure they are no longer involved in any form of misconduct.
The Immigration Department has outlined three main pillars in its empowerment plan: intensifying enforcement activities, improving the customer service system, and strengthening officer integrity. Zakaria stressed that there will be no compromise on misconduct, regardless of the officer's rank, and that no officer will be protected or favored.
Meanwhile, Zakaria reported that the department conducted 6,237 enforcement operations nationwide between January 1 and June 30, detaining 36,900 undocumented migrants and foreigners for immigration offences. Additionally, 978 employers were detained for allegedly employing foreigners without valid permits or violating the Immigration Act. In June alone, the department carried out 1,154 operations, checking 13,078 individuals and resulting in 4,093 arrests, including 133 employers. Zakaria assured that the department will intensify its actions and continue without pause.