JIM Cautions Public Against Fraud By Persons Impersonating Immigration Officers

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 2 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian Immigration Department (JIM) has cautioned the public against individuals posing as its officers, claiming they can secure the release of detained illegal immigrants in exchange for a fee from employers.

Kuala Lumpur Immigration director Wan Mohammed Saupee Wan Yusoff said such frauds are often detected after operations, when employers of detained illegal immigrants are contacted by individuals offering their release on condition that a payment is made.

“It is a form of fraud. The Immigration Department (JIM) will not violate the law or accept any money to release detainees.

“If you are contacted by individuals claiming to be immigration or other enforcement officers, do not deal with them over the phone or via messages, especially if they ask for any payment. Go straight to the immigration office to verify,” he said.

He said this after leading Ops Gegar at two entertainment outlets around Sri Hartamas last night, which resulted in the arrest of 41 individuals, comprising 39 foreigners and two local men.

According to Wan Mohammed Saupee, the department uncovers attempted fraud nearly every month, and some employers have even fallen victim.

“An employer nearly lost RM32,000 last week after the operation on Jalan Ipoh but managed to avoid it after verifying the matter.

“There have been cases where employers were asked to pay from RM5,000 for one foreigner up to RM15,000 for three workers, with the promise that the detainees would be released,” he said.

Meanwhile, Wan Mohammed Saupee urged undocumented migrants to take part in the Migrant Repatriation Programme (PRM) 2.0, which runs until April 30 next year.

“Applicants should not rely solely on immigration offices in Kuala Lumpur or Selangor. They can visit offices in other states, such as the north or east coast, which may have faster processing than the congested Klang Valley,” he said.

--BERNAMA