Kuala lumpur: The Immigration Department has announced a commitment to eliminating the practice of giving "duit kopi" or bribes at border crossings, recognizing it as a potential threat to national security. The department plans to investigate all allegations of small bribes involving its officers, with firm actions to follow, including referrals to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC).

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the department's director-general, Datuk Zakaria Shaaban, stated that public complaints are welcome, whether by phone or through the whistleblower channel on its website. Each complaint will be reviewed by the Integrity Division, and implicated officers will face investigation. If allegations are substantiated, cases will be referred to the MACC for legal proceedings under the MACC Act 2009.

Zakaria emphasized that the department's Integrity Division's Compliance Unit conducts regular surprise inspections at sensitive locations to prevent misconduct. Addressing concerns regarding the country's reputation with tourists and international partners, Zakaria noted that the issue is being addressed through government policies and department operations.

The department has implemented an Anti-Bribery Management System since 2017 in line with the government's anti-corruption policy. It was also selected as a pilot agency for the Integrity and Governance Management System by the Malaysian Institute of Integrity, aiming to uphold integrity and good governance in the public sector.

Zakaria also clarified that officers suspected of misconduct are not merely transferred without investigation. Such transfers are intended to prevent access to ongoing probes, and after completing internal investigations, disciplinary actions will be taken under the Public Officers (Conduct and Discipline) Regulations 1993, or officers may face prosecution in court.