All processes and standard operating procedures (SOPs) of key agencies under the Home Ministry are expected to be tightened and further measures will be taken to prevent its officers and staff from breaking the rules.

Home Minister Muhyiddin Yassin, who is currently on a working visit to the United States, said he would call up leaders and senior officers in charge of key agencies such as the Immigration Department of Malaysia and the National Registration Department on his return to Malaysia.

"We will take a closer look at how we should tighten up existing processes and SOPs and what else should be implemented to prevent abuses or irresponsible actions by the officers," said Muhyiddin who viewed the reported cases as serious.

A Registration Department assistant director and five other individuals were charged in George Town Session Courts recently on 32 counts in connection with the issuance and illegal sale of birth certificates and identity cards to foreigners.

Immigration Department director-general Khairul Dzaimee Daud also confirmed that one of his officers was detained on suspicion of being involved in forging the department's security stamp.

"We will not compromise or protect them if the investigations reveal they have committed the offence, more so because they are government officials," Muhyiddin said.

He said the incident had caused the ministry much unease.

"Most probably people are saying this (indicates) we have not been paying much attention to immigration or registration matters.

"I would like to say that this is not true, but these one or two cases have made us realise that we cannot take lightly the actions that may threaten the security and sovereignty of the nation,” he said.

Muhyiddin further called on the staff of the Home Ministry and its agencies to take this as a lesson and to ensure that they perform their duties responsibly.

"We will continue to get the police to fully investigate the matter and if it is proven that there was a violation of the law, stern action must be taken," he added.

- Bernama