'Tourists bribe immigration officers when they can't show proof'

Tourists are likely to offer bribes to immigration officers stationed in the country's entry points after failing to produce return flight tickets and accommodation as proof, said Immigration Department director-general Datuk Seri Mustafar Ali.

"All these (documents) are mandatory when entering Malaysia. When a tourist doesn't have such proof, this creates an opportunity for bribery...by trying to pay between RM200 and RM1,500," he said after meeting about 500 industry representatives and employers here today.

Mustafar was commenting on a media report claiming that tens of immigration officers received between RM200 and RM2,500 in bribes for each job to facilitate foreigners into Malaysia.

It was also reported that such illegal activities since 2014, resulted in an immigration ring that earned an additional income of about RM18 million.

Nevertheless, the immigration director-general said the majority of 14,420 immigration personnel nationwide still possessed high integrity and only a small number were involved in bribery.

On the implementation of impounding and freezing assets of employers found harbouring or hiring illegal immigrants, beginning Oct 1, Mustafar said the department was now in talks with the Deputy Public Prosecutor's office.

He said the number of employers facing action would be announced by month-end. -- Bernama