(Kuala Lumpur, 25th) Immigration Department Director-General Datuk Zakaria emphasized that the department will never compromise on enforcement work at the country's entry points, including the 'waving through' culture that may endanger national security.
In a recent interview with Bernama, he said the department has not yet received any formal reports of misconduct at the immigration, customs, quarantine, and security (ICQS) building entry points along the Malaysia-Thailand border, including during peak hours.
“If it is found that immigration officers are involved in such behavior, the Immigration Department will not hesitate to take strict action under the relevant laws and regulations.”
However, he does not rule out the possibility that such behavior could occur at any border checkpoint, and he urges the public to report directly to the Immigration Department so that investigations and follow-up action can be taken.
Zakaria pointed out that, whether Malaysian citizens or foreign travelers, everyone must present their passports or border passes during entry inspection, so that entry can be recorded in accordance with Section 6 of the 1959/63 Immigration Act.
“There’s no such thing as a minor compromise. Any so-called trivial 'waving through' is the beginning of a series of vulnerabilities, which can eventually result in disaster, including giving organized crime groups and forces threatening national security an opportunity to take advantage.”
He said that integrity is not just a requirement, but the nation’s last line of defense. Everything must be strictly executed in accordance with standard operating procedures and laws—there can be no relaxation.
He admitted that officers on duty at ICQS face pressure from external forces and criminal organizations who try to influence their work, and they are regarded as the first line of defense in combating the 'waving through' culture.
“There is indeed pressure to compromise, and the top management acknowledges this as a major operational challenge.”
Earlier, Bernama quoted crime analyst Datuk Sahul Hamid pointing out that lax border controls, including allowing individuals to enter via special ICQS lanes simply by a wave of the hand, without valid documents, is a cause for concern as it could open the door to criminal activities, smuggling, and national security threats.
This not only violates procedures, but also breaches the 1959/63 Immigration Act regarding the control of entry, stay, and departure, as well as the 1966 Passport Act provisions that individuals must hold and present passports and travel documents when entering and leaving Malaysia.
In November last year, police detained eight individuals at the Rantau Panjang ICQS complex in Pasir Mas District, Kelantan—including a civil servant—because they crossed the Malaysia-Thailand border illegally, without legal passes, simply by waving.
At that time, the group traveled in two luxury cars and was arrested by officers of the Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency at the complex at 5:30 p.m. when entering Kelantan from Thailand’s Golok River.