RM86M MORE FROM STATE IMMIGRATION

SEPANGGAR: The State Immigration Department contributed RM104.754 million to the Government's coffers as of June 30 this year, accounting for RM86 million more than the same period last year.

"Apart from enforcing laws related to immigration, we also contribute to the Government's revenue indirectly through collections from passport, pass and visa application proceeds, among others," said its Director Mohamad Mentek.

He said this during a media conference after attending the State-level Immigration Shooting Competition, which was attended by 80 personnel and members of the media at the Navy Base Shooting Range, here, Saturday.

"As of June 30, 2012, we have collected RM104.754 million in revenue with a big chunk of this figure coming from our levy collection of RM71.957 million, followed by pass payment collection of RM17.54 million and payment for international passport application of RM7.49 million," he said.

Mentek said the highest districts contributing to the proceeds were Sandakan, followed by Tawau and Lahad Datu, due to the huge number of oil palm plantations in these districts.

"In 2011, we collected RM177.244 million but in 2010 we collected RM128.95 million, which means our collection for 2011 increased by RM48 million compared to 2010," he added.

He said they aim to collect a minimum of RM200 million this year, adding that over the last five years, the State Immigration Department has collected RM884 million.

Meanwhile, the winners of the shooting competition would be representing the State in the national-level Immigration Department Shooting Competition.

Members of the media were also invited to join in the competition to foster ties between immigration personnel and the media.

This would be followed by a futsal competition, which would be held today (Sunday).