AKPS said it was looking into the involvement of officers who charge a certain fee to enable Malaysian travellers, especially civil servants, to enter and exit the country without having their movements recorded.

“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,” it said in a statement.

AKPS added that it was working with the home ministry and immigration department to improve the process of screening visitors at the country’s entry points, especially at KLIA, including introducing the full use of autogates.

“With the full use of autogates for exit clearance, the development of the National Integrated Immigration System, and the use of artificial intelligence technology, AKPS believes that the issues of counter-setting, ‘flying passports’ and ‘phantom travel’ involving officers can be reduced and eliminated.”

Recently, a local news portal 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.