A foreign syndicate is believed to be linked to the sabotage of the Malaysian Immigration System (myIMMs), says Home Deputy Minister Datuk Nur Jazlan Mohamed.

Without elaborating, he said the police were investigating the link.

"We believe that besides locals, there is a foreign syndicate involved in this.

"Further investigations are being conducted and we will not compromise with those involved in sabotaging the system," he told Bernama here today.

Nur Jazlan also said any immigration department officer or staff suspected of being involved in sabotaging the myIMMs would face disciplinary action, including dismissal.

"Anyone proven to be directly involved and has contravened the law will be charged in court.

"We (home ministry) intend to cripple the activities of the syndicate and immigration officers at all levels to prevent any repeat of abuse of power," he said.

On June 9, Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar was reported to have said that five immigration officers were detained to facilitate investigations and operations to track down those involved in sabotaging the myIMMs system.

READ: Sabotaging myIMMs: Five immigration officers held

READ: myIMMs sabotage: 100 including immigration officers involved - Ahmad Zahid

On May 31, Immigration Department director-general Datuk Seri Sakib Kusmi said since February this year, disciplinary action was taken against 37 officers found to have been involved in sabotaging the system.

The 2015 Auditor-General’s Report Series 1 stated the myIMMs, which was developed to support the main function of the Immigration Department, was unsatisfactory and affected its objectives.