KL Immigration to probe alleged irregularities in special pass issuance

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 17 — The Kuala Lumpur Immigration Department plans to probe allegations of irregularities in the issuance of special passes, according to Datuk Hamsha Injau, the department's director. The Integrity Division within the department will conduct the investigation to assess the validity of the allegations, and any evidence of law or regulation breaches will result in appropriate action, as stated in a recent statement.

The news portal highlighted that special passes, meant to assist foreign nationals experiencing emergencies or urgent situations, may be being misused to prolong their stay in Malaysia. Reports also alleged the involvement of local intermediaries who managed applications, collected applicants' passports, and forwarded applicants' photographs to immigration officers through messaging applications for preliminary verification.

The director emphasized the importance of dealing with the Immigration Department through official channels and discouraged the use of unauthorized intermediaries.