KOTA BARU: Although the amount may be small, the practice of giving “duit kopi” (coffee money/bribe) at border crossings can pose a serious threat to national security.
The Immigration Department said it is determined to stamp out the practice and will investigate all allegations of small bribes involving its officers, with firm action to follow, including referrals to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC).
Its director-general, Datuk Zakaria Shaaban, said the department welcomes public complaints on the issue, either by phone or via the whistleblower channel on its official website.
“Each complaint will be reviewed by the Integrity Division and officers involved will be investigated.
“If the officers are found to have accepted bribes, the case will be referred to the MACC for legal action under the MACC Act 2009.”
On concerns that border integrity issues could harm the country’s reputation with tourists and international partners, Zakaria said the matter is being tackled through government policies and the department’s operations.
“This includes highlighting integrity as a core National Security Value under the 2021-2025 National Security Policy, recognising it as essential to maintaining Malaysia’s sovereignty, peace and prosperity.
“Immigration has implemented an Anti-Bribery Management System since 2017 in line with the government’s anti-corruption policy, and was also selected by the Malaysian Institute of Integrity as a pilot agency for the Integrity and Governance Management System.”
The department also clarified that officers suspected of misconduct related to the arrival of immigrants were not simply transferred without investigation, adding that the move is intended to prevent their access to ongoing probes.
“After the internal investigation is completed, disciplinary action will be taken under the Public Officers (Conduct and Discipline) Regulations 1993, or the officer may be prosecuted in court under existing laws,” he said, Bernama reported.
Meanwhile, Zakaria also said that there will be no compromise in the discharge of duties at the country’s entry points, including practices such as the ‘hand-raising’ culture that could jeopardise national security.
He said no official reports had been received regarding allegations of such practices at the Immigration, Customs, Quarantine and Security (ICQS) Complex along the Malaysia-Thailand border.
“However, if any immigration officer is found to be involved in such practices, the department will take firm action in accordance with the relevant acts and regulations,” he added.
Zakaria also said that all travellers, whether Malaysian citizens or foreigners, are required to present their passports or border passes during immigration checks to ensure their movements are recorded, as stipulated under Section 6 of the Immigration Act 1959/63.
“There is no such thing as a small compromise.
“Every act of ‘hand-raising’, however, trivial it may seem, is the beginning of a chain of leakages that could lead to disaster, including opening the door to organised crime syndicates and elements that can threaten national security,” he said.
He said integrity is not merely a matter of rules; it is the country’s final line of defence, and all procedures must be carried out strictly in accordance with the standard operating procedures (SOPs) and the law.
Zakaria also said that officers at ICQS complexes often face pressure from external parties and syndicates attempting to influence their duties.
“These officers are the first line of defence in combating the ‘hand-raising’ culture.
“The pressure to compromise is real, and it is a major operational challenge,” he said.
