THE Home Ministry will fully cooperate with the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) to investigate allegations of corruption by Immigration officers in handling foreign tourists at the country’s entry points, its minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said.

“The Home Ministry will extend our fullest cooperation to MACC,” he told reporters after launching the national-level People’s Volunteer Corps (Rela) 51st anniversary celebration at its northern region training centre in Bukit Selambau, Sungai Petani today.

Earlier today, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim revealed that the National Registration Department and Immigration Department – both under the purview of the Home Ministry – are being investigated for corruption and power abuse.

It was reported on Thursday that a commotion occurred at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) when a minister allegedly attempted to “rescue” a female Chinese national who was denied entry into the country.

The minister was said to have barged into the arrival hall without applying for a security pass.

Saifuddin said the inspection of visitors entering the country by Immigration officers is a common practice, which is also practised in other countries.

He said there were cases of visitors given the “Not To Land” notice, but the number was very small.

“For example, for visitors from China, an average of only 50-60 people are issued the notice. There are also those from other countries, but the number is very small,” he said. – Bernama, July 3, 2023.