DPM: AMEND LAW TO EXPAND IMMIGRATION DEPT POWERS
ON THE FRONTLINE: It will expand role of officers, says deputy prime minister
THE Immigration Act needs to be amended to expand the role and duties of the Immigration Department in enforcing the law.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the amendment would also allow collaborations between the Immigration Department and other government agencies, including the Armed Forces and Royal Malaysia Police to strengthen border security control, as how it was being done in other developed countries.
“With the amendment, we believe
who completed their that it will help expand the role and duties of the Immigration Department.
“The Immigration Department’s responsibility is not simply to handle passports. Its enforcement officers have to be on the frontline, though not in the battlefield, but border security nevertheless.”
Zahid said allocation for new assets would also be considered in the amendment.
He said threats and challenges faced by the Immigration Department were different today, and required assistance from other enforcement agencies, such as the police and army.
“There is a need to expand the department’s role.
“The threats include encroachments on the country’s land, air and sea borders, and the use of secret routes into the country. This situation can’t be handled by the Immigration Department alone,” he said.
Zahid was speaking after attending the training completion parade
saluting in of Grade K29 Immigration officers here yesterday.
Present were Immigration Department director-general Datuk Mustafar Ali and Negri Sembilan Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan.
A total of 95 Grade K29 officers completed their five-week training at the academy.
At the event, a building block of the academy was named Bangunan Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi in honour of Zahid’s contribution to the department.
Earlier in his speech, Zahid rubbished rumours about Mustafar’s likely dismissal from his post as Immigration Department directorgeneral.
“He (Mustafar) will continue to lead the department as long as his services are required,” he said.
Zahid also announced that the Immigration Basic Course would be extended from five weeks to six months to strengthen the discipline, law and spiritual aspects of immigration officers.
“The extension is necessary as the Umno vice-president officiating the
Bernama pic
Negri Sembilan, yesterday. work scope of Immigration officers has become more challenging.
“The course duration is similar to those of the Armed Forces and police, that is six to nine months.
“The module also has to be expanded, with emphasis on discipline, legislation as well as spiritual and mental aspects,” he said.
Zahid, who is also home minister, said the improvement of the module could present a new image and alter society’s perception of the Immigration Department.
To a suggestion that whistleblowers on undocumented foreigners be given a reward, Zahid said he had not thought about it.
“I have not thought about the matter. I will discuss it with the Home Ministry secretary-general and Immigration Department directorgeneral,” he said.
All 95 immigration officers who completed their training will start work on Monday.
The recipient of the Immigration Director-General’s Award was cadet officer Muzafarudin Samsudin.
(left) yesterday.