Home minister says the Immigration Department must boost intelligence and foresight to counter evolving cross-border syndicate threats.
PUTRAJAYA: The Immigration Department (JIM) must strengthen its intelligence and strategic foresight capabilities to address cross-border syndicate threats involving document forgery, migrant smuggling, exploitation of foreign nationals and abuse of the country’s immigration system.
Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said JIM must be able to analyse global migration patterns, understand geopolitical changes, detect cross-border threats and project risks before crises occur.
“Today’s syndicates no longer operate conventionally. They use manipulated passports, identity fraud, document exchanges at transit airports, visa abuse, and exploit technology and weaknesses in international systems to evade immigration enforcement.
“Irregular migration routes have evolved into an operational ecosystem that constantly adapts to enforcement pressure and emerging opportunities,” he said at the 2025 Immigration Department Excellence Service Awards ceremony here today.
Saifuddin Nasution said JIM must stay ahead of evolving threats by fostering a work culture that is vigilant towards global developments, agile in decision-making and flexible in adapting operations to current realities.
“We can no longer rely on static approaches when today’s threats are fast-moving, transnational and increasingly sophisticated.
“The greatest challenge in modern immigration is balancing facilitation and enforcement, openness and security, as well as efficiency and integrity.
“This is why the government is placing strong emphasis on reforming and transforming the national immigration system. The future of immigration must be built on the principles of Smart, Secure and Seamless Immigration,” he said.
He also commended JIM for its achievements in 2025, including Malaysia’s international passport rising from 10th place in 2024 to third place in 2025 among the world’s most powerful passports.
Saifuddin Nasution said JIM managed more than 115 million movements involving citizens and foreign nationals at entry points nationwide, while also overseeing the arrival of heads of state and foreign delegations during Malaysia’s ASEAN 2025 chairmanship without incidents affecting the country’s reputation.
He added that JIM recorded RM5.2 billion in revenue collection in 2025, reflecting the efficiency of its service delivery system and the commitment of its personnel nationwide.
