Immigration director-general Ruslin Jusoh said his department would also cooperate fully in a transparent and fair manner.

He said the department would not protect any of its officers involved in integrity violations – such as abuse of power and corruption, whether at the country’s entry points or any immigration office nationwide.

“Serious action and severe punishment, including dismissal, will be meted out according to existing legal provisions if the officers are found guilty of wrongdoing.

“We are serious and committed to ensuring that the integrity of our officers is maintained at the highest level,” he said in a statement today, adding that he encouraged the public to report any misconduct.

MACC chief commissioner Azam Baki said today that his department had uncovered a syndicate bringing foreign nationals into the country without inspection, following the arrest of 12 people in Op Pump carried out by MACC officers nationwide yesterday.

It was also reported that those detained included four company owners and five immigration officers stationed at KLIA Terminal 2.