THE Home Ministry has received a report that Immigration Department personnel are involved in cartel-like activities, said minister Hamzah Zainudin today.

He said these activities involve, among others, promotions and taking advantage of other immigration officers.

Hamzah said according to his deputy, Jonathan Yasin, there are advertisements offering the issuance of Temporary Employment Visit Passes in Sabah, adding that this is wrong as the Immigration Department has never appointed any agent for any immigration issue.

“Transparent investigations into the matter will be made to identify the officers involved (in the cartel-like activities)… we will take action against those who abuse their power.”

Hamzah said there are cartel members who freely enter and exit the Immigration Department and wait at airports and national entry points.

The cartel’s existence has tarnished the reputation of the department, he added.

“If they (cartels) are easy to enter, if we can sell whatever we have easily, then we are not safeguarding the sovereignty of our country.”

He said the use of technology and advanced assets such as artificial intelligence, automation, digitalisation and the Internet of Things can reduce the existence of cartels or syndicates that can tarnish the image of the Immigration Department, as they can reduce direct communication between customers and officials. – Bernama, December 1, 2021.