PUTRAJAYA: The “counter setting” controversy at the KL International Airport Terminal 1 and 2 mainly involved letting through foreign nationals from certain countries using tourist visas when their actual intention was to seek employment in Malaysia, says Tan Sri Azam Baki (pic).
“Counter setting activities have resulted in widespread abuse of tourist visas for illegal employment and allowing foreigners to enter and work in the country rather freely,” the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission chief commissioner told The Star.
Counter setting refers to foreigners who enter the country without proper document inspection and go through pre-determined lanes at entry points.
Records and analysis showed that only a small number of visitors from these countries would come to Malaysia for tourism purposes, while the majority wanted to find jobs, said Azam.
“There are certain conditions which foreigners wanting to enter Malaysia have to meet, including having proof of accommodation, a return ticket, as well as how they plan to finance their stay.
“However, by going through special counters, these foreigners need not show proof for these conditions,” he said.
It is learnt that the counter setting services were largely used by foreign nationals from Bangladesh, Nepal and Myanmar.
Azam said these activities have contributed to issues such as an influx of foreigners, including those who had been blacklisted.
“That is why it is important that these activities be put to an end. All parties must work with the MACC to eradicate counter setting services,” he said.
Recently, a man believed to be the main suspect working with a syndicate to bring foreigners through a special counter at Terminal 1 was arrested.
The suspect in his 40s has been remanded for seven days until Sept 28 after magistrate Mohd Sabri Ismail allowed the application submitted by the MACC at the Shah Alam Magistrate’s Court on Sept 22.
Azam said the Immigration Department should look into extending the use of Foreign Workers Centralised Management System (FWCMS) to its counters at entry points.
“Foreigners who have applied for work will have their details recorded in the system. If the Immigration counters are linked to the system, officers can immediately identify those who are trying to enter the country without having had their work permit application approved.
“These individuals should not be allowed to enter the country until and unless their work permits have been approved,” he said.
The MACC had proposed that Immigration officers, including supervisors, stationed at the counters of Terminal 1 and 2 should not have access to their mobile phones while on duty to prevent them from being contacted by outside parties.
The commission had identified 11 main problems and weaknesses involving the Immigration Department, which led to syndicates being able to bring in foreigners via the counter setting method.
Following concerns raised by the MACC, the Immigration Department said it is committed to implementing extensive reforms to its work processes and service delivery.
