Why are KLIA and Johor checkpoints the focus of the crackdown?

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KLIA and Johor Checkpoints Targeted Due to High Traveller Volume and Vulnerability to Abuse

Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) Terminals 1 and 2, alongside the Sultan Iskandar Building and Sultan Abu Bakar Complex on the Johor Causeway, are the primary focus of the government's crackdown on immigration abuses because these locations collectively handle 75 percent of all traveller entries into the country. This concentration of high-volume traffic makes these entry points particularly susceptible to the exploitation of loopholes by syndicates involved in practices like "counter-setting" and the use of "flying passports." The Home Ministry's intensified efforts aim to curb these integrity breaches that tarnish Malaysia's image and compromise national security.
High Traveller Volume Concentrates Risk

The decision to concentrate enforcement efforts at KLIA and the Johor checkpoints stems directly from their status as the nation's busiest entry and exit points. These locations account for a significant majority, specifically 75 percent, of all traveller movements. This high volume of daily entries and exits creates opportunities for organised criminal networks to operate, as they exploit the sheer scale of operations to facilitate illegal activities, thereby posing a more substantial risk to the integrity of border control.
Vulnerability to "Counter-Setting" Syndicates

These critical entry points have been identified as hotspots for "counter-setting" operations. This refers to an organised network where enforcement officers accept bribes to bypass standard immigration procedures and checks, thereby facilitating the illegal entry of foreigners. Recent Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) raids have highlighted the prevalence of this issue, leading to the arrest of numerous enforcement officers and seizures of substantial cash and luxury goods, indicating the deep-rooted nature of the problem at these hubs.
Systemic Weaknesses Targeted by NIISe Implementation

The existing immigration system, MyIMMS, which has been in use for two decades, is being replaced by the new National Immigration Integrated System (NIISe). The phased rollout of NIISe at KLIA and in Johor is a direct response to the vulnerabilities exploited by these syndicates. The introduction of more sophisticated auto-gate technology within NIISe is intended to reduce the physical involvement of officers in the immigration process, thereby mitigating opportunities for corruption and enhancing overall integrity at these high-traffic checkpoints.

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Why are KLIA and Johor checkpoints the focus of the crackdown?

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