KLIA syndicates crackdown: Lots of work at the moment, says Shuhaily

Newly minted Border Control and Protection Agency director-general Shuhaily Zain said his agency is carrying out various efforts to address syndicates involving foreigners operating at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA).

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He said the agency is looking at options for stricter recruitments and terminations of employment, but implementing them would require approval from policymakers first.

“Maybe we can also look at it from the perspective of the employment scheme itself to keep them away from unhealthy activities.

“We are looking at all aspects, both in terms of policy, structure, and logistical requirements.

“It’s a lot of work. I can only say that that’s a lot of work right now,” he told reporters at KLIA today.

He was asked to comment on how the agency will curb syndicates and smuggling at KLIA.

New DG

Shuhaily was appointed as the agency’s director-general effective July 1, and he made his maiden visit to KLIA today.

He previously headed the Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department.

Previously, Malaysiakini reported a series of stories on foreign syndicates and smuggling involving Immigration Department staff.

Among the syndicates prevalent at the airport are “counter settings”, “Fly”, “phantom travels” and wildlife smuggling abroad.

Binding as one

Elaborating, Shuhaily said his main focus at the moment is to mould all agencies under the Border Control and Protection Agency into a strong team.

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“So my first challenge is to unite us as a family and instil the Border Control and Protection Agency culture demanded by the government - ensuring that there are no more leaks and leaks in trade or the entry of immigrants or tourists into Malaysia,” he said.

“Therefore, we are here to really see how we can empower our subordinates in the context of not only work, work procedures, but also facilities,” he said.

The agency was established after a cabinet meeting in November 2018 decided to form a committee to study the establishment of a single body to oversee border affairs under the Home Ministry.

The agency was then formed on Jan 1, 2024. - Mkini