KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency says it is investigating claims that some of its officers colluded with the 'phantom travel' syndicate operating at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), as reported by a news portal.

In a statement today, the agency said it takes the matter seriously.

"Following the report, AKPS (the agency) has initiated further investigations into allegations that certain officers may have colluded with the syndicate by failing to record the entry movements of visitors at the country's entry points, in violation of standard operating procedures (SOP).

"These acts were allegedly carried out in exchange for payments, allowing the visitors to avoid detection by their employers.

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"AKPS will not compromise or protect any officer who violates integrity and tarnishes the reputation of the agency.

"Action will be taken in accordance with existing laws, including dismissal, if the officer is found guilty," the statement said.

The agency said it continues to work closely with the Home Affairs Ministry and Immigration Department to improve visitor screening, particularly at KLIA.

"With the full implementation of autogate systems for exit clearance, the development of the National Integrated Immigration System (NIISe), and the use of AI technology, AKPS is confident that issues such as counter setting, flying passports, and phantom travel involving officers can be reduced and eliminated."

The agency urged the public to report any misconduct involving its officers via email at aduan.integriti@mcba.gov.my or in person at its Integrity Unit at Level 5, Setia Perkasa 7, Setia Perkasa Complex, Putrajaya.

In a recently published report, the syndicate is alleged to involve government staff flying abroad without their travel details being recorded in the immigration system — a practice known as 'phantom travels'.

The news portal claims that, following weeks of observation at KLIA, it learnt that several officers under the Immigration Department are allegedly involved in the syndicate.