{
  "id": 15185385,
  "title": "KL immigration dept to probe alleged irregularities in special pass issuance",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/17/kl-immigration-dept-to-probe-alleged-irregularities-in-special-pass",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-17T10:58:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Free Malaysia Today",
    "slug": "free-malaysia-today-freemalays",
    "url": "https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2026/10/17/kl-immigration-dept-to-probe-alleged-irregularities-in-special-pass-issuance"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Kuala Lumpur immigration authorities are set to investigate claims of irregularities in the distribution of special passes, according to department director Hamsha Injau. The integrity division of the department will determine the validity of the allegations and will not tolerate any misconduct, Injau stated in a declaration.\n\nThe investigation follows reports that the special passes, designed to aid foreign nationals in emergencies or urgent situations, have been allegedly exploited to allow them to prolong their stay in Malaysia. Furthermore, the reports suggested that local intermediaries were involved in the process, handling applications, collecting applicants' passports, and transmitting their photos to immigration officers via messaging applications for preliminary screening. The director urged the public to engage with the department through official channels, discouraging the use of unauthorized intermediaries.",
  "summary": "A report had said the permits, intended to assist foreign nationals facing emergencies or urgent matters, were being systematically abused to extend their stay in Malaysia.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 3,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Malay Mail",
        "title": "KL Immigration to probe alleged irregularities in special pass issuance",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/17/kl-immigration-to-probe-alleged-irregularities-in-special-pass",
        "published": "2026-10-17T09:13:24.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Free Malaysia Today",
        "title": "KL immigration dept to probe alleged irregularities in special pass issuance",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/17/kl-immigration-dept-to-probe-alleged-irregularities-in-special-pass-15186604",
        "published": "2026-10-17T10:58:00.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}