Latest news with #GeshinaAyuMatSaat
![Beyond the Headlines: Flying passports & border security [WATCH]](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.nst.com.my%2Fassets%2FNST-Logo%402x.png%3Fid%3Db37a17055cb1ffea01f5&w=48&q=75){kind=small}
New Straits Times
01-08-2025
- New Straits Times
Beyond the Headlines: Flying passports & border security [WATCH]
KUALA LUMPUR: In this latest episode of Beyond the Headlines, we dive into alarming breaches at Malaysia's borders — following a recent exposé that revealed serious cracks in our immigration system. At the centre of the scandal is a scheme known as the "flying passport" — a term describing how foreign passports are cleared at border checkpoints without their holders ever being physically present. Instead, the passport is handed to a third party — often for a fee — who transports it across the border to be stamped by corrupt immigration officers. This loophole allows the passport holder to obtain legitimate entry and exit stamps without even leaving their country. In early July, four immigration officers stationed at Johor's CIQ Bangunan Sultan Iskandar (BSI) — the busiest land border crossing with Singapore — were arrested by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC). They were found to have repeatedly stamped foreign passports without the passport holders present, in exchange for bribes. This syndicate effectively offered a "fast-pass" into Malaysia — particularly for foreigners at risk of overstaying, working illegally, or re-entering the country without valid permits. What's more troubling is that this wasn't an isolated case, but part of a systematic abuse of weaknesses within our border control systems. The term "flying passport" captures how these documents changed hands between runners — not the travellers themselves — before ending up with rogue officers. So, what does this say about the integrity of our border enforcement, national security, and public trust? Joining us to unpack it all is Malaysia Crime Prevention Foundation (MCPF) and Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) criminologist and psychologist Associate Professor Dr Geshina Ayu Mat Saat. Catch the full discussion now on NST's YouTube channel — @NSTOnline.
New Straits Times
09-05-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
BTH: Abduction, Pamela Ling, witness protection and Trump's US tariff [WATCH]
KUALA LUMPUR: In this episode of Beyond the Headlines, we tackle two urgent national concerns gripping Malaysia. First, we delve into the shocking disappearance of Datin Seri Pamela Ling Yueh, a key witness in a high-profile corruption case, who was abducted in broad daylight outside the MACC headquarters. How secure are our whistleblowers and witnesses? Are abductions on the rise? How should the public respond? Criminologist and Malaysian Crime Prevention Foundation (MCPF) exco member Assoc. Prof. Dr. Geshina Ayu Mat Saat shares her insights on crime prevention. Then, we shift focus to the economic front: the United States has imposed sweeping tariffs on nearly all Malaysian exports — except semiconductors. With pressure mounting on Putrajaya to meet US demands on trade barriers, halal certification, and Asean's role, we speak with Prof. Dr. Azmi Hassan, geostrategist and senior fellow at the Nusantara Academy of Strategic Research, to break down what's at stake for SMEs, bilateral relations, and Malaysia's role as a regional economic leader. From public safety to economic sovereignty, this episode tackles how prepared is Malaysia to protect its people and its interests? Watch Beyond the Headlines on NST Online's YouTube channel.
