The Director General of Immigration warned those who were engaged in corruption will be fired

PETALING JAYA: Director-General of Immigration Ruslin Jusoh warned the staff who are involved in misconduct and abuse of power will face actions such as dismissal, demotion or withholding of salary increases.

Berita Harian reported, committed to preventing acts that undermine the department’s integrity, Ruslin also assured that his side would fully cooperate with the Enforcement Agency Integrity Commission (EAIC) in dealing with 38 case complaints involving his staff.

“We are waiting for complete information related to this complaint from EAIC to carry out a thorough investigation,” he said.

He said this commenting on EAIC’s statement that 176 complaints were received about various law enforcement departments, most involving the Immigration Department.

EAIC chairman Ismail Bakar said that among the main complaints identified were complaints or reports that were not acted upon appropriately (59), actions not in accordance with SOP (37); abuse of power (24); no classification/no misconduct (23); and corruption (19).

In addition to the Immigration Department, complaints were also received regarding the Customs Department, the Road Transport Department (JPJ); Fishery Department; Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency, National Registration Department (JPN); and the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN).

Meanwhile, Ruslin informed that his party implemented various initiatives to streamline aspects of the service including by incorporating artificial intelligence (AI) applications, in addition to reducing human intervention in its daily operations.

Among the initiatives implemented include the installation of automated systems and machines, a QR code system at key checkpoints, the expansion of online transaction capabilities, as well as stopping the need to visit offices for more than 70% of Immigration services.

He also said that his party has also added closed circuit cameras (CCTV) and is now in the process of supplying law enforcement officers with body cameras.

Ruslin said that the top management also conducts regular inspections at all Immigration Department offices to detect non-compliance.

“Integrity units (also) are established in each state to carry out audits and continuous improvement recommendations, as well as updated SOPs to ensure that transactions and services are carried out quickly, efficiently and transparently, leaving no room for exploitation,” he said.