PUTRAJAYA: The Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency (AKPS) is investigating claims of a ‘phantom travel’ syndicate operating at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA).
The syndicate is said to facilitate the movement of Malaysian travellers — particularly civil servants — in and out of the country without any trace in immigration records, reportedly in exchange for a fee.
“AKPS will not compromise or protect any officer who commits a breach of integrity that tarnishes the good name and image of the department. Action and punishment will be taken based on legal provisions, including dismissal if the officer who committed the offence is proven guilty,” the agency said in a statement.
The agency said it is working closely with the Home Ministry and the Immigration Department to tighten entry point screening procedures.
Among the improvements under consideration is the full implementation of autogates for exit clearance, the development of the National Integrated Immigration System (NIISe), and the application of artificial intelligence to curb abuse.
“These measures are expected to significantly reduce, if not eliminate, issues such as counter-setting, ‘flying passports’, and ‘phantom travel’ involving officers,” the agency said.
The probe follows a report by a local news portal which revealed the existence of a ‘phantom travel’ syndicate at KLIA which allegedly involves civil servants who fly abroad without their travel details being shown in immigration records.
According to the report, the syndicate’s modus operandi involves travellers going through the immigration process at a special counter manned by conspiring officers.
