KUALA LUMPUR – The Immigration Department had identified the officers allegedly involved in the hacking of the Malaysian Immigration System (MyIMMs) on the first day the incident was detected, said director-general Datuk Zakaria Shaaban.
However, he said the department deliberately delayed taking immediate action to allow investigators to gather sufficient evidence and identify all individuals involved, including those believed to be behind the operation, Bernama reported.
Zakaria said the department, together with the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), was waiting for the appropriate time to act against those involved and ensure the case was addressed comprehensively.
“Actually, on the first day the incident occurred, we were able to identify the officers involved. We knew who was involved, but I took a different approach. If I had stopped it immediately, we would not have been able to catch all those involved.
“That is why we allowed it to continue until we gathered evidence on who the culprits or masterminds behind it were. That is why I said, do not think that what happened has gone unnoticed,” he said in his speech at the department’s monthly assembly here today.
Last Tuesday, five more Immigration officers were detained by the MACC for allegedly conspiring to hack MyIMMs in connection with the unauthorised application and approval of Temporary Employment Visit Passes (PLKS).
Zakaria said the department would not shield any officers or personnel found involved in misconduct, including corruption or abuse of power, and pledged that firm action would be taken without compromise.
“I have issued repeated warnings, but there will be no more warnings now. No more warnings and no more reminders. We will take immediate action (against officers involved in misconduct),” he said.
He said the department had continued receiving information on alleged involvement by certain personnel in activities linked to “flying passports”, counter setting and irregular PLKS approvals.
Zakaria said the department’s stance was part of efforts to strengthen integrity and ensure officers carried out their duties professionally and responsibly.
He also reminded Immigration personnel to immediately stop any wrongdoing before enforcement action was taken against them.
“What I hope is that these incidents will serve as a lesson to other officers. If anyone is currently doing something wrong, stop before we take action. That is all. As I mentioned before, I have information,” he said.
He added that all Immigration-related transactions would continue to be closely monitored to prevent abuse of power.
Zakaria had previously said that PLKS approvals linked to the syndicate involved in hacking MyIMMs through Ops Crack would be cancelled. – August 7, 2026