Let immigration HQ take over probe on special passes, says MP

An MP has questioned the Kuala Lumpur immigration department’s intention to investigate alleged irregularities in the issuance of special passes at its office, saying the allegations could involve a senior officer.

Kepong MP Lim Lip Eng said the immigration department headquarters should take over the investigation, while allegations of corruption and wrongdoing should be referred to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission and the police.

Yesterday, Kuala Lumpur immigration director Hamsha Injau said the department’s integrity division would conduct an investigation to determine if the allegations, raised by a news portal, were true.

He said no misconduct would be tolerated, and appropriate action would be taken if there was evidence of any breach of the law or regulations.

Malaysiakini had reported that special passes, which were intended to assist foreign nationals facing emergencies or urgent circumstances, were allegedly being systematically abused to extend their stay in Malaysia.

The report also alleged that the operation involved local intermediaries who handled applications, collected applicants’ passports, and sent their photographs to immigration officers through messaging applications for preliminary verification.

In a statement today, Lim said the authorities should not wait for media exposure to provide an explanation.

“The people want to know the actions that have been taken since Aug 10 (when the allegations first surfaced), not just hear another announcement of an investigation,” he said.