PETALING JAYA: An immigration officer was arrested in Johor yesterday on suspicion of facilitating the application process for foreign domestic helpers.
The 31-year-old is believed to have approved temporary work visit passes for individuals who did not meet eligibility requirements, Berita Harian reported.
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Immigration director-general Zakaria Shaaban said the officer was apprehended in a special operation in Setia Tropika, Johor, after authorities discovered abuses in the issuance of passes and manipulation of the online application system.
“The operation team also seized a mobile phone and several documents believed to be related to the activities involved,” he was quoted as saying.
He said the suspect is being investigated under Section 56(1A)(c) of the Immigration Act 1959/63, and that a male and female immigration officers were also given notices to come to the office to assist in the investigation.
Zakaria said the operation highlighted the department’s commitment to strengthening law enforcement and monitoring digital systems to prevent misuse of the country’s immigration facilities.
