PUTRAJAYA: Saying there is no room for officers who are in cahoots with syndicates and not upholding integrity, Immigration director-general Datuk Ruslin Jusoh wants these officers to “throw away the uniform and leave”.

This was the warning issued by the Immigration chief and, to prove that the department “means business” in dealing with errant officers, it has since last year taken disciplinary action against 96 officers and terminated the employment of five.

The department also suspended 31 officers after they were charged in court for various offences.

“We will not compromise and will act against officers who abuse their authority or are involved in corruption.

“I don’t deny there are those who are involved in corruption. In fact, I have had people reporting the matter directly to me.

“I always remind my officers and personnel to honour the uniform that they wear. If you don’t have integrity, throw away the uniform and leave,” he said in an interview recently, in conjunction with the 102nd Immigration Day celebration, which will be held today.

Ruslin emphasised the importance of taking action against irresponsible officers and for the public to be aware that the department is serious in dealing with such issues.

He said while an Immigration officer has certain authority, it must not be abused.

“Our duty is to safeguard the country and not to be in cahoots with criminal syndicates or cartels,” he said.

Ruslin said he even received reports alleging certain officers having close ties with certain parties including foreign workers agents.

“Each complaint will be investigated. I will not let them escape punishment. If the complaint is proven valid, we will refer the matter to the relevant authorities. For example, if it involves bribery or corruption, we will refer the case to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission,” he said.

Ruslin said the department’s contribution to the nation is not limited to security and enforcement but also economic growth.

The department is the third highest revenue collection agency after the Internal Revenue Board and the Customs Department.

“A total of RM5.59bil was collected last year from foreign workers’ levies and payments for passes and passports,” he said.

He said one of the department’s priority area is to facilitate the entrance of foreign investors into Malaysia, and this is done by expediting the processing and issuance of passes and cutting red tape.

On the Immigration Day celebration, Ruslin said it was to honour the contributions of Immigration officers in safeguarding the nation’s sovereignty.

This year’s celebration, themed “Imigresen Perkasa Di Persada Dunia (Immigration Excels at the World Stage), will be held at Dataran Pahlawan and officiated by Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.

https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/07/22/no-room-for-corrupt-officers