Immigration Dept sacks 20 officers over ‘flying passport’ cases

LocalPolitics
22 Jan 2026 • 9:21 AM MYT
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THE Immigration Department (JIM) has dismissed 20 officers and subjected a further 41 to disciplinary action over their involvement in so-called “flying passport” cases over the past four years, underscoring what it describes as a firm stance against misconduct and corruption.

Immigration director-general Datuk Zakaria Shaaban said the department had taken note of a media statement issued by the Enforcement Agency Integrity Commission (EAIC) on Monday concerning investigation findings into alleged flying passport activities at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) Terminal 1.

He said the department respected the role and function of the EAIC as an oversight body for enforcement agencies and viewed seriously all findings and recommendations put forward.

“Accordingly, the Immigration Department has taken and continues to take follow-up action in line with legal provisions, public service regulations and the disciplinary mechanisms in force.

“With regard to the reported cases, the Immigration Department confirms that disciplinary action has already been implemented against the officers involved in accordance with the Public Officers (Conduct and Discipline) Regulations 1993,” he said in a statement today.

Zakaria said the measures reflected the department’s uncompromising position that any form of misconduct, particularly those involving integrity and public trust, would not be tolerated.

“As an illustration of the Immigration Department’s ongoing commitment to addressing this issue, for the period from 2022 to 2025, a total of 41 officers were subjected to disciplinary action after being found to be involved in cases related to flying passports.

“Of that number, 20 officers were dismissed from service after being convicted of offences. These actions were taken following transparent internal investigations conducted in accordance with established regulations,” he said.

He added that the department would continue to scrutinise every case referred by the EAIC thoroughly and address them seriously without compromise.

“For the year 2025, a total of 61 cases were referred by the EAIC, and all of these cases were brought before the Complaints Committee and acted upon in line with the applicable processes and disciplinary provisions.

“This approach reflects the Immigration Department’s continued commitment to the principles of accountability, integrity and good governance,” he said.

Zakaria said the department would also continue to strengthen compliance with standard operating procedures, enhance internal monitoring and implement continuous improvement measures to ensure immigration services are delivered professionally, with integrity and in full accordance with established regulations, in order to safeguard public confidence and national interests. - January 22, 2026