The Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency said it took swift action by immediately reassigning the five officers suspected of involvement in the foreigners’ attempt to flee the country.

“These officers are also being investigated under the Public Officers (Conduct and Discipline) Regulations 1990,” the agency said in a statement today.

It warned that stern action will be taken against any officer found violating regulations or tarnishing the image of public service.

The agency also said the foreigners, comprising three Vietnamese and nine Cambodians, were found by its personnel in the waiting area just before boarding.

“A preliminary investigation revealed that all of them possessed entry and exit documents believed to be fake and obtained illegally,” it said.

It also said that all 12 foreigners were found to have overstayed, under Sections 56(1)(l) and 15(1)(c) of the Immigration Act 1959/63.