Syndicate at KLIA: Not just empty talk, action taken, minister says

PARLIAMENT | The MACC is investigating 50 cases linked to a syndicate involved in tampering with immigration records, known as the “phantom travels” syndicate.

Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail confirmed this in Parliament today.

He said two individuals have already been charged in court, while 48 other cases have been recommended for prosecution, internal investigation, or governance review.

“In this matter, what I’m reporting are actions that have already been taken.

“This is not just empty talk – no matter who is involved, we take action,” Saifuddin said in response to a supplementary question from Che Zulkifly Jusoh (PN-Tumpat), who asked what action was being taken against individuals involved in foreign worker syndicates.

Malaysiakini had previously exposed the “phantom travels” syndicate involving government personnel flying overseas without their travel records appearing in the immigration system.

Their modus operandi is said to be highly discreet and difficult to detect without close monitoring, including collusion with immigration officers manning the counters.

‘Zero tolerance’

Earlier, in response to a question from Lee Chean Chung (Harapan-Petaling Jaya), Saifuddin said the government has adopted a “zero tolerance” stance on syndicates involving foreigners at the country’s border checkpoints.

“Whether it’s called counter setting, flying passport, U-turns, phantom travels – whatever the term, these actions tarnish the image of the agencies involved.

“We practise zero tolerance for such misconduct and those who abuse the system.

“As for the government’s commitment to fighting corruption, there’s no question about it. If you want to know what actions were taken – last year alone, 26 civil servants were dismissed, and in 2023, eight officers were terminated,” he said.

Saifuddin also said the government is moving towards digitising services, especially by expanding the use of autogates to minimise human interaction at border entry points.

Additionally, body cameras will be introduced for Border Control and Protection Agency officers stationed at entry points, along with the implementation of a new system known as the Advance Passenger Screening System.

Reporting by B Nantha Kumar, Alyaa Alhadjri, Zarrah Morden

Syndicate at KLIA: 'Thanos' transferred to another unit, source says

Counter setting: Immigration officer caught with 'notes'

MACC nabs 2 Bangladeshis linked to 'counter setting' syndicate

'Fly' syndicate: Cartel uses new MO to evade detection

Border agency probes 'phantom travel' after Mkini's exposé