Medical visa scandal: EAIC summons state exco - source

The Enforcement Agency Integrity Commission (EAIC) has summoned a state tourism executive committee member to provide testimony related to a medical visa syndicate scandal that has facilitated the entry of foreign nationals.

A source from the Tourism, Arts, and Culture Ministry confirmed the matter to Malaysiakini.

“The EAIC has taken a witness testimony from the exco regarding the ‘medical visa’ syndicate scandal involving the Immigration Department.

“Some seizures have also been made.

“They (the EAIC) took statements on Oct 24 and Nov 6,” the source said on condition of anonymity.

The source alleged that this long-running syndicate has been bringing in foreign nationals, some of whom seek illegal employment, using medical visas.

Each individual is charged around RM4,500, with the scheme involving millions of ringgit.

The source added that apart from the exco, a former state director of the ministry was also summoned to provide testimony.

Malaysiakini has reached out to the EAIC and is awaiting a response.

The portal is withholding the exco’s identity for the time being pending comment from the individual.

Probe on misconduct

Previously, the EAIC established a special task force to investigate misconduct related to the syndicate.

A full investigation is being carried out in line with subsection 27(4) read together with subsection 26(3) of the Enforcement Agency Integrity Commission Act 2009.

The EAIC also raided the Visa, Pass, and Permit Division of the Immigration Department in Putrajaya, seizing 156 Social Visit Pass (Medical Pass category) application files.

Apart from immigration officers, the investigation also involves several ministry officials.

The Immigration Department has assured that it will not compromise on actions against its officers involved in the syndicate.

The EAIC is a federal statutory body responsible for, among other duties, investigating any complaints of misconduct by enforcement agencies or officers.

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