KUALA LUMPUR – The level of corruption involving enforcement personnel at the country’s frontlines is growing chronic and worrisome, Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) deputy chief commissioner (operations) Datuk Seri Ahmad Khusairi Yahaya said.
Khusairi said the influx of irregular migrants, workers and students in the country is viewed as a big opportunity for a minority of unethical enforcement personnel to secure bribes.
He said it does not matter if the foreigner has a work permit or student visa – let alone those without such documents – they are still targeted by enforcement.
“This is what is happening and gives a very bad image to Malaysia,” he said in a statement today, adding that the slogan “Malaysia Boleh” was often used as a cynical criticism implying that everything is possible with a bribe.
“So, it’s not surprising that Malaysia has become a focus for foreign workers looking for work, a drug transit in the South East Asian region, an international scam and fake investment centre, as well as a haven for online gambling, Macau scams and international prostitution.
“We often deny and ignore reality, looking for various excuses,” he said.
Khusairi said the most common comment about corruption among enforcement is that it is “an isolated incident”, and that it no longer could be used as an excuse to deny the reality of how rampant it is among enforcement personnel.
He added that corruption had permeated every inch of migrant workers’ lives in the country, including the process of applying for foreign worker quotas by companies.
“To secure this quota, companies are forced to pay bribes to ensure their approval in terms of the number of foreign workers allowed to be brought in,” he said.
Besides this, he said bribery of enforcement personnel has occurred at the country’s entry points to speed up the entry and exit of migrant workers who overstayed, were involved in crime, were blacklisted, or did not fulfil entry requirements.
He added that corruption has also occurred in the misuse of foreign student visas for work and business, in addition to unsavoury activities such as prostitution, massage parlours, gambling, and Macau scams.
“This is part of the offences that are linked to foreign workers in the country.
“Indirectly, it also creates opportunity and room for enforcement personnel to receive bribes on a small scale, monthly basis or as part of a syndicate,” he said.
The influx of migrant workers in the country is no small matter, as it causes significant social problems, crime, and affects national security and the health of the people, he said.
Khusairi said MACC, through Op Tropicana, Op Bolos KLIA 1 & 2, Op Lancar and several other operations, proved how serious this issue is and that it requires stern action by the responsible enforcement agencies. – Bernama, March 27, 2023
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