Immigration director-general Khairul Dzaimee Daud said early investigations found that there were “elements of provocation” by the man.

However, he maintained that the officer should not have shouted and uttered vulgarities at the customer, adding that this was against the department’s motto on integrity, professionalism and friendliness.

“Immigration officers should control themselves and be professional when they face verbal provocation from the public since they have been adequately trained,” Khairul said in a statement.

“The immigration department has taken immediate action by transferring the officer to another department. An investigation paper will also be opened by the department’s integrity unit immediately.”

“There will be no compromise and we will take action against those who attempt to tarnish the image and credibility of the immigration department,” he added.

Khairul also expressed regret over the man’s allegedly provocative actions when the department had prepared various facilities for the public to renew their passports, such as online applications and extended operating hours.

Earlier today, Utusan Malaysia reported that a man filed a police report at the Sri Muda police station in Shah Alam after he was berated by an immigration officer at the Selangor UTC on Aug 10.

He was reportedly there with his child and had waited four hours for his number to be called by the counter, as the system was encountering some issues.