THE Immigration Department has declared that irregularities in processing entries and exits at Immigration, Customs, Quarantine, and Security (ICQS) complexes constitute serious breaches of standard operating procedures (SOPs) and pose a significant risk to border control if left unchecked.
Director-General Datuk Zakaria Shaaban highlighted that these are not minor administrative lapses. “Based on records for 2025, 92 immigration officers stationed at border entry and exit points faced disciplinary action for irregularly issuing endorsements or immigration stamps,” he told Bernama.
Zakaria emphasised that the department maintains a zero-tolerance policy against any form of compromise in operational duties, particularly at ICQS complexes identified as high-risk zones.
“Beyond disciplinary measures, immigration has strengthened integrity monitoring through surprise inspections, 24-hour CCTV surveillance, and the enhancement of technology-driven control systems to ensure full SOP compliance,” he said.
On the security situation at ICQS complexes along Malaysia’s borders with Thailand in Kedah, Perlis, Perak, and Kelantan, Zakaria described it as stable and under control, citing a modern approach to border management.
He noted that while the Border Protection Control Agency (AKPS) has assumed control of border entry points, immigration remains critical in managing ten core immigration functions.
Highlighting primary threats at the Malaysia-Thailand border, Zakaria pointed to identity falsification and misuse of border documents.
“To address this, the National Integrated Immigration System (NIISe) analyses visitor and tourist data in depth, leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) technology,” he said.
The NIISe system is designed to integrate seamlessly with multiple national and international security databases, including Interpol’s Global Database Notices.
“Through this integration, immigration can conduct comprehensive and effective security risk assessments, reducing full reliance on manual checks,” he added.
Zakaria further underscored cooperation with international bodies such as the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) for passport verification, and the sharing of security information including Stolen or Lost Travel Documents (SLTD).
“This technical collaboration ensures travellers from Thailand and other countries undergo rigorous screening in line with global standards,” he said. - January 23, 2026
