Officers in MyIMMs hacking case identified from day one, says immigration DG
Immigration director-general Zakaria says action was deliberately held back so investigators could gather evidence and trace the masterminds behind the syndicate.
PUTRAJAYA: The Immigration Department identified the officers involved in the MyIMMs system hacking case on the very first day it happened but held back on acting immediately so that evidence could be built against those behind it, its director-general said.
Zakaria said the department, together with the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), was waiting for the right time to track down all those involved so the case could be tackled down to its roots.
"Actually, on the first day it happened, we were able to identify the officers involved, but I took the approach that if I stopped it immediately, we would not be able to catch who was involved.
"That is why we let it run until we gathered evidence on who the culprit or the mastermind in this matter was," he was quoted by Bernama as saying at the department's monthly assembly in Putrajaya. (Quotes translated from Malay.)
No more warnings
Zakaria stressed that the Immigration Department would not shield any officer or staff member involved in misconduct, including corruption or abuse of power.
He said the department was still receiving information on the involvement of a handful of immigration personnel believed to be complicit in "flying passport" and "counter setting" activities, as well as the irregular approval of temporary employment visit passes (PLKS).
"I have given warnings repeatedly and now there are no warnings. No more warnings and no more reminders. We will take action," he said.
He reminded officers that every transaction relating to immigration matters was being closely monitored to curb abuse of power, adding that the department was committed to strengthening integrity and ensuring officers carried out their duties professionally.
"What I hope is that what has happened will be a lesson to other officers. If anyone is doing something, stop before we take action, that is all. As I have said before, I have information."
17 held so far
Eleven immigration officers have been detained over allegations of conspiring to hack the MyIMMs system to approve PLKS applications unlawfully.
Six other individuals were also detained last week, including two company directors, three foreigners and a police officer.
Zakaria was previously reported as saying the department would cancel all PLKS approvals found to have been issued by the syndicate that hacked MyIMMs.
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