Johor bahru: An unconventional tactic by the Johor Immigration Department (JIM) involving the removal of all counter number signs at southern border entry points has proven effective in reducing complaints of counter-setting misconduct involving its officers and personnel. Johor Immigration director Datuk Mohd Rusdi Mohd Darus said the measure was introduced after the department identified tactics used by syndicates to facilitate the movement of foreign nationals through a network of internal personnel lacking integrity.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the syndicates were found to have provided undocumented migrants with advance instructions before arriving in the country, directing them to proceed to specific counters without knowing the identity of the officer on duty. 'The syndicates would instruct these travellers, for example, 'once you get off the plane, head straight to counter seven'. At the designated counter, their illegal entry process would be handled by officers who had received substantial bribes.
As a countermeasure, the department took the bold step of removing all counter numbers at entry points. Now, these counters no longer display any numbers. Mohd Rusdi said the physical initiative was implemented through close cooperation between Johor JIM and operators of major entry points, including the management of Senai International Airport (LTAS) and sea entry terminals. He noted that the operators gave full support to the proposal to ensure there were no loopholes left for syndicates to exploit.
The strategy, introduced under the Special Committee Meeting on Counter Setting and Flying Passport Issues chaired by Mohd Rusdi, has yielded positive results, with the state's main air terminal now recording zero cases and no complaints related to such misconduct. Last year, 20 officers faced disciplinary action for involvement in counter-setting activities, while five others were penalised over flying passport offences.
Mohd Rusdi emphasized that firm action and punishment serve as a deterrent and warning to other officers against engaging in similar misconduct. Efforts to combat integrity-related misconduct would continue on a regular basis, as travellers bypassing proper immigration screening could pose risks such as bringing in dangerous infectious diseases or being wanted criminals, including terrorists or robbers.
Meanwhile, he urged the public to continue acting as the department's 'eyes and ears' by channelling information on misconduct or the presence of undocumented migrants in their respective areas. He assured that the department welcomes public participation and that reports or complaints could be submitted through existing channels, including email, hotline services, physical complaint counters and the Public Complaints Management System (SISPAA). Mohd Rusdi also assured complete confidentiality for officers and staff reporting integrity-related misconduct, with an option to lodge complaints with third parties such as the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission.