Seven officers held under ISA
By The Star
KUALA LUMPUR: Seven Immigration Department officers and two foreigners have been detained under the Internal Security Act (ISA) for alleged involvement in human trafficking.
Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Ismail Omar said all nine were arrested at different locations between Sunday and Tuesday.
However, Ismail refused to reveal more information on the detention and identity of the suspects.
“The arrests will enable us to investigate the syndicate’s activities,” he told reporters yesterday.
Ismail said if no stern action had been taken, the situation could have posed a threat to national and regional security. “Irresponsible parties might take the opportunity to get involved in criminal activities such as terrorism, firearms and drugs smuggling.”
Ismail said police were also making efforts to ensure Malaysia was not used as a transit point by foreigners for their criminal activities.
On Oct 4, the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) arrested five Immigration Department officers for allegedly allowing foreigners without proper travel documents into the country.
They were arrested at Pulau Ketam Jetty and in various places in Klang.
Two other officers were also arrested in Port Dickson for allegedly receiving bribes and permitting the unlawful entry of foreigners.
The authorities also arrested several runners for syndicates linked to the officers. The MACC also found almost RM100,000 on the officers and the runners.
