Malaysia’s Counter-Setting and Flying Passport Scandal: Corruption at the Heart of Our Borders
by JoeGetz | 10 Sept 2025
A major scandal involving immigration officers across various Malaysian entry points has come to light, revealing deep-rooted corruption practices known as "counter-setting" and "flying-passport" syndicates. These schemes involve immigration officers facilitating illegal or corrupt entry practices by stamping passports or allowing undocumented migrants to enter Malaysia without proper checks, in exchange for bribes. The cases have been uncovered at key entry points such as Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) and the Johor Sultan Iskandar Customs, Immigration, and Quarantine complex.
The "counter-setting" syndicate operates by immigration officers collaborating with syndicate agents to manipulate immigration counters. They create special queue counters to expedite and illegally approve the entry of foreign nationals, bypassing standard procedures. Bribes for these illegal services can range from RM200 to RM2,500 per passport, earning syndicates millions in illicit profits. These crimes have led to the dismissal of numerous officers—26 last year alone at KLIA—and many arrests, including officers and syndicate agents. The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has actively investigated and prosecuted these cases, seizing cash, valuables, and freezing bank accounts linked to the corrupt activities.
The "flying-passport" scheme involves officers stamping passports without the holders being present at the border, also for bribes. Investigations revealed passports of foreign nationals found hidden, bribe money, and digital records indicating manipulation of visitor entries. These scandals demonstrate systemic corruption threatening Malaysia's immigration integrity and border security.
Regarding whether Malaysia should introduce more severe punishments for these offenses, the chronic recurrence and scale of these syndicates suggest current deterrents may be insufficient. Harsher punishments including longer jail terms, heavier fines, and stricter administrative dismissals with blacklisting from public service could reinforce deterrence.
To curb these chronic issues, the Government and public can take several actions:
Government Actions:
- Strengthening internal monitoring and surprise inspections at immigration counters.
- Enhancing digital record systems with automated alerts for suspicious activities by officers.
- Increasing transparency and accountability by publishing corruption investigations and outcomes.
- Collaborating with international agencies to target syndicate networks beyond borders.
- Upskilling and incentivizing immigration officers who uphold strict ethical standards.
- Leveraging more on technology - minimizing human interference.
- Introduce harsher penal code - maximize punishment to the extend that law permits - these acts can be classified as National Security issues and the perpetrators should be charged under the "Treason Law". In some countries, punishable by "firing squad"!
Public Actions:
- Reporting suspicious immigration practices or officers through accessible channels.
- Supporting whistleblower protection to encourage internal reporting by honest officers.
- Raising awareness on the negative impacts of corruption on national security.
- Participating in civil society initiatives demanding clean governance in immigration agencies.
In conclusion, the ongoing counter-setting and flying-passport scandals expose a serious integrity crisis within Malaysia's immigration system. Stronger punishments coupled with systemic reforms, public vigilance, and government transparency are essential to eradicate this "chronic disease" and restore trust in immigration controls.
Your comments are most welcome.
0 Comments
No comments yet. Be the first to comment!