The Home Ministry has decided to release the eight Immigration officers arrested under the Internal Security Act (ISA) 1960 between Oct 10 and 12 last year for suspicion of being involved in a human smuggling syndicate in this country.

Its minister Hishammuddin Hussein said their release would be made in stages, starting with three of the officers involved tomorrow followed by the rest soon.

“Their release was decided on after the ministry found that the eight detained officers had shown awareness and remorse over their mistake, and had promised never to repeat it.

“They had also cooperated well with the police in the latter’s effort to stamp out human smuggling activities in this country,” he said in a statement in Putrajaya today.

Hishammuddin said their arrest made under the ISA was in line with the government’s stand on protecting national security and public order.

He said it was also to facilitate thorough investigation into smuggling of foreigners and their entry into and exist from this country.

He added that the action was also taken as the government wanted to prove to the Malaysian and international communities that Malaysia was seriously committed to combating human smuggling.

In this regard, he said, the Malaysian authorities would continue to take stern action in their effort to prevent this country from being used as a transit point for human smuggling activities.

Hishammuddin also reminded officers and staff entrusted to safeguard the country’s entry/exit points to carry out their duty and responsibilities with honesty.

“Don’t be treacherous towards your own country just because you desire a  luxurious life. The government will not compromise with such traitors,” he said.

- Bernama