AN MCA Youth leader has expressed concern over recent cases involving immigration officers, saying these cases indicate significant lapses within Malaysia’s internal monitoring mechanisms.
Its secretary-general Saw Yee Fung said one case she found particularly troubling is that of a junior immigration officer in Johor, who was reportedly arrested twice within five months by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) for similar alleged offences.
Malaysiakini reported on Nov 18 that the individual was detained twice by the MACC within five months, yet was still able to remain on duty without facing prosecution.
The officer was allegedly involved in a counter-setting syndicate, which involves system manipulation at border checkpoints to allow illegal entry of foreign nationals into Malaysia.
“The government cannot overlook these issues, nor allow such critical matters to remain unresolved,” Saw stressed.
“The fact that this officer was able to return to their duties on both occasions without being formally charged is a situation that rightly causes public unease. This incident appears to reveal a concerning gap in our internal integrity and accountability systems.
“It suggests that the oversight within certain government departments may not be as stringent as warranted. When an individual who has been arrested on two separate occasions can continue in their post without apparent review, it indicates a systemic failure.
“If such situations are tolerated, we worry it could normalise practices that undermine the integrity of our public institutions. The challenges within the immigration system are not isolated.”
Saw further noted that the MACC has arrested hundreds of border control personnel each year on suspicion of facilitating the undocumented entry of illegal foreigners. Yet, the persistence of such cases suggests that underlying systemic vulnerabilities have not been adequately addressed.
“In the interest of transparency and public trust, we urge the Attorney General’s Chambers to provide clarity on the status of such investigations, including this specific case,” she continued.
“It is vital that cases with significant implications for public interest are seen to be pursued diligently and are not subject to undue delays.
“Furthermore, MCA Youth has received numerous complaints indicating the resurgence of illicit networks dealing with forged documents and the illegal application for citizenship, often involving high fees.
“A matter of particular concern is that, to our knowledge, no individuals involved have been prosecuted. In one instance, a person previously arrested in connection with these activities has reportedly resumed operating a legal practice and remains active on social media, with no visible progress in their case.”
Describing this as more than a simple loophole, Saw said this suggests a “paralysis” within the system.
She said the Immigration Department and the Home Ministry are among the country’s most critical and sensitive institutions that are entrusted with safeguarding the country’s national sovereignty, border security, and the integrity of citizenship.
“They are not areas where we can afford any compromise. Any instance of corruption, negligence, or failed oversight within them could have severe implications for our national security,” she remarked.
“Therefore, we call upon the government to treat these matters with the utmost seriousness. MCA Youth can no longer afford silence or delay.
“A full and transparent accounting is owed to the people, and decisive action must be taken to restore confidence in these vital pillars of our nation’s security.” ‒ Nov 21, 2025
Main image: Harian Metro
