Long queues at immigration centres are nothing new but in recent times, scalpers and small-time syndicates have sprung up to take advantage of those desperate to avoid a long wait.

Checks by Malaysiakini at the PKNS Complex Shah Alam on two days last week revealed that many hopeful applicants start queuing at several entrances as early as 6.30am. 

When the entrances opened at 7.30am...