20 Immigration Officers Dismissed Following ‘Flying Passport’ Scandal

PUTRAJAYA: The Malaysian Immigration Department (JIM) has dismissed 20 of its officers after they were found to be involved in activities linked to the so-called “flying passport” syndicate between 2022 and 2025.

Datuk Zakaria Shaaban, Director-General of Immigration, said that during the same period, 41 officers faced disciplinary action in connection with related cases, following transparent internal investigations conducted in accordance with established regulations.

“Of this total, 20 officers were terminated after being found guilty of the offenses,” he said in a statement on Thursday.

Zakaria noted that JIM had taken note of reports and media statements issued by the Enforcement Agency Integrity Commission (EAIC) regarding allegations of “flying passport” activities at Terminal 1 of Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA).

He added that JIM respects the role of the EAIC as a monitoring body for enforcement agency integrity and takes all findings and recommendations seriously.

“JIM has taken and continues to take follow-up actions in accordance with legal provisions, public service regulations, and existing disciplinary mechanisms,” he said.

Zakaria emphasized that disciplinary actions against the officers involved were carried out under the Public Officers (Conduct and Discipline) Regulations 1993.

“This demonstrates JIM’s firm stance that any misconduct, particularly that affecting integrity and public trust, will not be compromised,” he said.

He also highlighted that throughout last year, 61 cases were referred by the EAIC to JIM, and all were reviewed in the Complaints Committee Meeting before appropriate action was taken.

Zakaria assured that JIM will continue to strengthen compliance with standard operating procedures (SOPs), enhance internal monitoring, and implement continuous improvements.

“These measures ensure that immigration services are conducted professionally, with integrity, and in line with regulations, thereby safeguarding public trust and the interests of the nation,” he said.