The Malaysian Immigration Department has dismissed 77 officers since 2022 for disciplinary and integrity offences, agency officials confirmed on May 27, 2026 [1, 2, 3, 4]. Eight officers have been dismissed in 2026 alone, amid 23 disciplinary cases resolved so far this year [1, 2, 3, 4].
The offences include breaches of standard operating procedures, approving matters beyond authority, manipulating counter settings, absenteeism, drug abuse, and smuggling contraband into immigration depots [1, 3, 5, 4]. Immigration director-general Datuk Zakaria Shaaban said, "We will not compromise with any officer who violates integrity or commits misconduct. If we find them guilty based on evidence, disciplinary action will be taken, including dismissal" [3]. He added, "Regardless of their rank, we will take action based on evidence" [1].
From January 1 to May 25, 2026, the department conducted 5,010 enforcement operations nationwide, checking 71,734 individuals [1, 4]. These operations led to the detention of 17,313 illegal immigrants, mostly for overstaying or abusing their passes, and 789 employers accused of hiring or harbouring them [1, 4]. The highest numbers of illegal immigrant arrests were among Indonesians (5,578), Bangladeshis (3,533), Myanmar nationals (2,856), Filipinos (1,990), and Pakistanis (811) [1, 4].
Currently, more than three million foreigners hold valid passes and permits to reside in Malaysia [1, 4]. Authorities noted that social media posts showing crowds of foreigners in popular areas may negatively influence public perception [1, 4].
Since 2022, the Immigration Department has resolved between 971 and 994 disciplinary cases, largely involving support group officers at Grade KP40 and below; cases involving management and professional staff are handled by the Public Service Department [1, 2, 3, 4]. Some disciplinary decisions can be challenged in court and require concrete evidence before dismissal [3].
A senior criminologist, Datuk Dr P. Sundramoorthy, said the 77 dismissals point to "possible weaknesses in oversight, ethical culture, supervision and internal accountability systems within a high-risk enforcement environment exposed to corruption opportunities" [5]. He added that "public confidence is central to institutional legitimacy. Once citizens begin perceiving immigration officers as corrupt, compromised or selective in enforcement, confidence in border security, immigration control and national security weakens significantly" [5]. Sundramoorthy noted visible enforcement and willingness to act improve deterrence and institutional credibility [5].
Datuk Zakaria gave these remarks during a press conference held as part of the Jelajah Wira Madani programme at the Millennium Temporary Immigration Depot in Beranang on May 27, 2026 [1, 3, 4].
