Home Ministry: Hard to prove if KLIA 'counter-setting' syndicate still operating

The Home Ministry said it is difficult to prove whether the “counter-setting” syndicate is still operating at KLIA, but it has introduced measures to curb corruption and strengthen border controls.

“The Home Ministry, through the Border Control and Protection Agency, emphasises its concrete commitment to combating corruption and ‘counter-setting’ syndicates which can harm national sovereignty,” it said in a written parliamentary response to Kepong MP Lim Lip Eng.

It said the agency had implemented reforms including staff rotations, stricter monitoring, surprise inspections, and greater use of technology to reduce opportunities for misconduct at immigration counters.

Other measures include forming a dedicated monitoring team to detect suspicious transactions, strengthening cooperation with enforcement agencies such as the MACC and police and equipping officers with body-worn cameras alongside AI-powered CCTV surveillance.

Another step is expanding the use of e-gates to reduce human intervention.

However, in August last year, Malaysiakini found that the expanded use of automatic gates has instead led to the emergence of a new syndicate.

Under investigation

The counter-setting syndicate refers to the unlawful clearance of individuals through immigration counters without proper procedures, particularly undocumented migrants in Malaysia.

The ministry further provided updates on investigations into allegations that foreigners had abused Malaysia’s medical visa system.

It said the Enforcement Agency Integrity Commission (EAIC) first investigated the allegations in 2024 and had referred its findings to the deputy public prosecutor, who instructed the police to conduct further investigations.

Police then opened an investigation in August 2025 under Section 409 of the Penal Code for alleged criminal breach of trust by a public servant.

The investigation paper was later submitted to the Attorney-General’s Chambers in November 2025, which then directed investigators to record additional witness statements and obtain further documents.

The ministry said statements had been recorded from 51 witnesses, and the completed investigation paper was resubmitted to the AGC on June 9 this year for further instructions.

The medical visa syndicate operates by providing foreigners with medical visas, allowing them to enter Malaysia under the pretence of obtaining medical treatment.

Lim had asked the ministry why no charges had been brought against immigration officers in the investigation into the medical visa syndicate despite EAIC recommendations in July 2025, and whether the “counter-setting” syndicate is still operating in KLIA1 and 2.

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