WHILE Malaysians are wondering why our nation is now home to so many immigrants, here comes the proposal that immigration officers should be prohibited from using mobile phones while on duty.
Perhaps that is where the problem lies. In a post on X by the MalayMail, this should be effected on authorities at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 in an effort to prevent “counter setting” syndicates where foreign nationals can enter the country via special counter lanes.
KLIA immigration officers now banned from using mobile phones while on duty to prevent ‘special counter lanes’ abuse, says MACC chief https://t.co/tTthrtCt64
— Malay Mail (@malaymail) September 18, 2024
According to Azam, “counter setting” happens because of the absence of a proper rotation system among officers at KLIA 2 and KLIA 1, making it easy for syndicates to connect with them.
The newspiece further revealed that Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Chief Commissioner, Tan Sri Azam Baki suggested improvements such as alternative communication systems during working hours so officers will not be contacted by external parties.
Netizens, however, were quick to point out some other measures to better prevent such problems from occurring.
AliffShanusi said that the officers may use a pager instead if they are prohibited from using their phones.
Now when the possibilities are being considered, there are a great deal of things the officers can do to circumvent the security measures if they really think about it.
Another netizen suggested that officers on duty should have body cameras on top of the no handphone prohibition.
We do agree that a body camera will make for a fine addition to the authentication process, assuming of course that the necessary enforcement is in place.
On another note, the netizen warned that other agencies are experiencing the same problem besides the immigration department.
Netizen Alexandra’s comment sums up the mood of the cyberspace, stating that such a problem should not happen, especially in the immigration department.
Small wonder then that Malaysia has an immigration problem with our vetting and verification system being compromised in such a manner.
Reading through the comments, it can be easily derived that there are many more ways for officers to jump the “no phone” enforcement. But regardless, this is a small step in the right direction to address the problem. – Sept 19, 2024
Main image: themalaysianreserve
