A SPECIAL task force has been making surprise checks on Immigration counters at airports to tackle the issue of “counter setting” and as a result, 6,694 travellers were denied entry, the Dewan Rakyat was told.
Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said the figures were as of September and that these travellers were not allowed to enter the country after they failed to show proof of accommodation and for not having sufficient money to finance their stay.
“These are among the efforts to get rid of the counter setting activities at our entry points,” he said to a question by Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan (PN-Kota Baru).
Counter setting refers to foreigners entering the country without proper document inspections being made to go through designated and pre-determined lanes at entry points.
Last month, the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission detained 60 people, including a senior immigration officer stationed at Kuala Lumpur International Airport, believed to be the mastermind of a counter setting syndicate.
On other efforts to tackle the issue, Saifuddin Nasution said Immigration officers are barred from carrying any telecommunication devices while on duty at the airport immigration counters.
“The officers are body checked before going on duty to ensure they do not carry any telecommunication devices,” he added.
He said the Immigration Department is also in the final stages of installing CCTV cameras to keep closer tabs on activities at Immigration counters.
Saifuddin also said the ministry was finalising the procurement of an advanced passenger screening system (APSS) for the early detection of foreigners attempting to enter the country for dubious reasons.
