Malaysian immigration warns against ‘hand-raising’ culture at border checkpoints, stressing it compromises security and will face firm action
KOTA BHARU: The Malaysian Immigration Department has stressed there will be no compromise on duties at national entry points, including practices like the ‘hand-raising’ culture that could jeopardise security.
Immigration director-general Datuk Zakaria Shaaban said no official reports had been received regarding such allegations at border ICQS complexes.
He stated that if any officer is found involved, the department will not hesitate to take firm action under relevant acts and regulations.
Zakaria did not rule out the possibility of such practices occurring at any border entry point.
He urged the public to lodge direct reports with the department to enable investigations.
All travellers must present passports or border passes during checks as stipulated under immigration laws.
“There is no such thing as a small compromise,” Zakaria said.
“Every act of ‘hand-raising’ is the beginning of a chain of leakages that could lead to disaster.”
He said such acts could open the door to organised crime syndicates and elements threatening national security.
Zakaria stressed integrity is the country’s final line of defence, and all procedures must follow SOPs and the law.
He acknowledged officers with high integrity face pressure from external parties and syndicates.
“These officers are the first line of defence in combating the ‘hand-raising’ culture,” he added.
“The pressure to compromise is real and is a major operational challenge.”
Crime analyst Shahul Hamid Abdul Rahim previously described lax border controls as deeply concerning.
He said allowing entry via special lanes by merely raising hands could open the door to criminal activities and smuggling.
Such practices violate the Immigration Act and the Passport Act governing entry and exit.
In November, police arrested eight individuals, including a civil servant at the Rantau Panjang ICQS.
They were detained for crossing the border without valid documents by merely raising their hands.
