More than 130,000 people were arrested for various Immigration offences between January last year and June this year.
CYBERJAYA: More than 130,000 people were arrested for various Immigration offences between January last year and June this year, while over 92,000 foreign nationals were repatriated, Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said today.
“The Immigration Department has demonstrated firmness in upholding the rule of law through enforcement actions carried out consistently, professionally and with integrity.
“Throughout 2025 and up to June 2026, more than 130,000 arrests were made involving various offences under Immigration laws, while more than 92,000 foreign nationals were successfully repatriated to their countries of origin,” he said at the 104th Immigration Day celebration here.
Saifuddin said enforcement efforts would continue without compromise, with the government supporting the department’s acquisition of strategic enforcement assets.
He said six Baitul Mahabbah facilities had also been established nationwide to temporarily shelter children and vulnerable groups affected by Immigration enforcement.
“Since their establishment in 2023, Baitul Mahabbah has provided shelter to nearly 700 children,” he said.
Saifuddin added that Malaysia’s passport was ranked the third most powerful passport in the world, while new passport applications processed within one hour represented the fastest issuance process globally.
“The new version of the international passport was also recently launched with enhanced security features, containing 94 security features to strengthen passport security,” he said.
He said the Immigration Department collected more than RM5.2 billion last year after recording about RM5 billion annually for three consecutive years.
A further RM2.6 billion was collected as of June, with the department expected to reach the RM5 billion mark again this year.
Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who officiated at the event with the Home Minister, challenged the department to reduce passport processing time from one hour to 30 minutes without compromising security.
“Processing a passport within one hour is a good achievement, but during my time, we had already achieved one hour. This is not something new.
“I hope it can be achieved within 30 minutes, but there must be no compromise on security, especially with the new features in the new passport,” he said in his speech.
Zahid also said Immigration should no longer be viewed solely as an agency responsible for controlling the country’s entry points, but as a strategic institution that facilitates investment, global talent and economic growth.
He offered to mediate if obstacles involving other ministries hindered the department’s expanded role.
“If there are other ministries creating obstacles, I do not need to mention which ministry, but I am prepared to be the mediator.
“If there are problems, the relevant officers can come and meet me,” he said.
Zahid also urged senior civil service officials to consider requests to improve remuneration for Immigration personnel, expressing hope that an announcement could be made by next year’s 105th Immigration Day celebration.
