In a statement today, the EAIC said the task force will be led by its commissioner Razali Ab Malik, Bernama reported.

It said following a preliminary investigation report, the commission decided to conduct a thorough probe into suspicious activities linked to the syndicate, using seized documents as key evidence.

“This action is aimed at ensuring that the approval process for the social visit pass for medical treatment issued to foreign nationals is carried out with full integrity, while safeguarding national security,” the statement read.

Last week, the EAIC seized 156 files related to applications for social visit passes (medical treatment pass category), believed to be connected to the syndicate which allegedly involved officers from the immigration department.

The department then confirmed that the EAIC was probing some of its officers for allegedly allowing foreigners to enter the country under the pretence of obtaining medical treatment.

On Oct 8, immigration director-general Zakaria Shaaban said that the EAIC had visited the department’s headquarters in Putrajaya to investigate allegations of integrity violations committed by its officers.

He added that the immigration department will not compromise if any officer is proven to be involved in misconduct.

“Strict action will be taken regardless of rank or position,” he said, adding that the department would fully cooperate with EAIC’s investigation.

It was also reported that the syndicate had allegedly been operating for a considerable period of time, granting the social visit passes to foreign nationals who came to Malaysia under the pretext of seeking medical treatment.

The EAIC called for the public to contact its investigation officer at 019-2325569, if they had any information pertaining to the investigation.