KUCHING: Eleven officers and a staff member of the Sarawak Immigration Department have been remanded for seven days for alleged corruption.
The remand order was issued by Magistrate Zulhairil Sulaiman following an application by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC).
It was reported yesterday that the suspects, comprising five men and six women, aged between 33 and 55, were picked up at various locations, including Kuching International Airport, Pending immigration office and the Semuja detention depot in Serian.
They were believed to have accepted bribes to protect illegal immigrants.
Items seized by the anti-graft officers included documents and RM10,000 from one of the suspects.
Immigration director-general Datuk Seri Mustafar Ali said the department would not compromise on corruption among its ranks.
“We have zero tolerance towards corruption. Our officers are always reminded to maintain integrity in their jobs.
“Whether or not the bribe is a single sen, RM10 or RM200, it is still corruption and there is no compromise,” said Mustafar at a press conference in Sepang yesterday.
He said that as the suspects were still under investigation and not charged in court, they would be put in “less risky” positions.
“They will be put on administrative duties. The department will take the necessary action should the officers be charged in court,” he said.
Mustafar was MACC deputy commissioner (Prevention) before he was appointed to his current post.-thestar
