Decade-long delay in IC case sparks call for reforms
The Enforcement Agency Integrity Commission (EAIC) revealed that an investigation into an identity card application by the National Registration Department (NRD) took over 10 years to be resolved.
In a statement today, it said the investigation was conducted based on a complaint received under Subsection 27(4) of the EAIC Act 2009.
It said the investigation found that the delay was due to...
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The Sun
2 hours ago
- The Sun
Commission completes probe into KLIA visa misconduct
PETALING JAYA: The Enforcement Agency Integrity Commission (EAIC) is set to release the findings of its months-long investigation into the Immigration Department, focusing on allegations of corruption and procedural abuse linked to the issuance of medical tourism visas. The probe, centred on the 'counter setting' operation at KL International Airport (KLIA), has been ongoing since late last year. A representative from the EAIC confirmed the investigation team has completed its report, though declined to provide further details. 'The report has been finalised and a statement will be issued to the media,' the commission's representative told theSun. Launched in October 2024, the investigation focused on claims that foreign nationals were granted medical treatment visas without following standard procedures. The daily had previously reported concerns from healthcare industry experts regarding loopholes in the issuance of medical tourism visas, with some recipients allegedly having never sought treatment at the designated medical facilities. 'Yes, it does happen. For example, someone claims they're visiting a hospital, submits the required documents, but never shows up. They may not even pursue any medical treatment at all once in the country,' said a medical expert involved in the health tourism sector on condition of anonymity. A source from the Immigration Department acknowledged the issue, adding that the matter remained under investigation. 'We have not received any findings yet as the EAIC has not disclosed the outcome of their investigation. 'However, this issue has indeed occurred.' In response to the allegations, the EAIC formed a special task force under Section 17(1) of the EAIC Act 2009 to investigate misconduct. Led by commissioner Datuk Seri Dr Razali Ab Malik, the task force examined the improper issuance of social visit passes under the medical treatment category. In October 2024, investigators seized 156 visa application files from the Immigration Department's Visa, Pass and Permit Division in Putrajaya. Meanwhile, the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) exposed a 'counter setting' syndicate at KLIA, in which immigration officers were accused of facilitating the entry of foreign nationals through designated counters in exchange for bribes. The MACC attributed the misconduct to systemic weaknesses within the department, including inadequate officer rotation and lack of internal oversight. Immigration director-general Datuk Zakaria Shaaban has since reaffirmed the department's zero-tolerance stance on corruption, pledging firm disciplinary action against any staff involved, regardless of rank. In January, it was reported that Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail had raised concerns over the misuse of medical tourism visas. He highlighted the emergence of fake clinics and counterfeit medical certificates, particularly in states such as Penang, Malacca and Johor, which are popular among medical tourists. Saifuddin revealed that the Immigration Department had detected cases where visas were obtained using falsified documents and through unlicensed clinics. He stressed the ministry's commitment to enhancing scrutiny of visa applications to curb abuse. Subsequent investigations led to a joint operation by the Immigration Department and Health Ministry, resulting in the arrest of 10 Bangladeshi nationals during raids on clinics run by foreign doctors at nine locations across Kuala Lumpur. As of Feb 22, immigration officers have been questioned in connection with the investigation. Saifuddin told the Dewan Rakyat that the ministry is taking the matter seriously, and upholding a zero-tolerance policy towards breaches of integrity by its officers.
New Straits Times
2 days ago
- New Straits Times
Customs to act against agents, importers flouting rules
PUTRAJAYA: The Customs Department will not hesitate to take firm action against customs agents or importers who violate regulations or fail to exercise due diligence and ethical conduct, said acting director-general Datuk Norlela Ismail. "The department will not hesitate to act against any customs agent or importer proven to have violated the law or failed to exercise due diligence and comply with the Customs Agent Code of Ethics," Norlela said in a statement today. She said such actions could include the suspension or cancellation of approvals and import licences, prosecution under the law, or blacklisting from dealing with the department, depending on the outcome of internal investigations. Norlela welcomed the Enforcement Agency Integrity Commission's (EAIC) recommendations to strengthen governance, improve oversight, and ensure stricter compliance with Customs Standing Orders by customs agents and importers. Between January 2023 and May 2025, she said the department had suspended or revoked approvals for 898 firms due to non-compliance. "The significant increase in 2025, with 758 cancellations, is the result of a nationwide compliance audit by our Customs Agent Control Unit across Malaysia," she added. On import licences involving cigarettes, tobacco, and alcoholic beverages, a total of 21 were cancelled or suspended over the same period for breaches of licensing conditions. "All enforcement actions are conducted with due care and in accordance with legal provisions to ensure that the rights of legitimate licence holders are protected," Norlela said. The public is urged to report smuggling activities via the Customs toll-free line 1-800-88-8855. The department has assured that whistleblowers' identities will remain confidential. On Tuesday, the EAIC said it had identified weaknesses in the approval process for Customs Declaration Forms used to clear imported goods. The commission also found that some importers and customs agents had made declarations without adhering to the existing provisions under the Customs Standing Orders. As a result, the EAIC has recommended improvements to the Customs Department to enhance oversight and ensure stricter compliance with Customs Standing Orders by importers and customs agents.
New Straits Times
4 days ago
- New Straits Times
EAIC finds weakness in customs declaration process
PUTRAJAYA: The Enforcement Agency Integrity Commission (EAIC) has identified weaknesses in the approval process for Customs Declaration Forms used to clear imported goods. In a statement today, the EAIC said its investigation also found that some importers and customs agents had made declarations without adhering to the existing provisions under the Customs Standing Orders. "The EAIC received complaints against the Customs Department alleging failure to revoke the licences of importers and agents who violated the Customs Standing Orders. Investigations were conducted under subsection 27(4) of the EAIC Act 2009 (Act 700)," the statement read. As a result, the EAIC has recommended improvements to the Customs Department to enhance oversight and ensure stricter compliance with Customs Standing Orders by importers and customs agents. The commission also urged the department to take firm action against any party found to be in breach of these regulations. – BERNAMA
