BINTULU: The Bintulu Tourism Promotion Association is dismayed that some officers of the Immigration Department are involved in migrant smuggling syndicates.
Its chairman Ismawi Ishak, said their involvement could affect border security and potentially create a negative impact on the local socio-economy.
Apart from being illegal, their actions can cause Malaysia to be exploited by irresponsible parties and will affect social security such as the spread of uncontrolled diseases, illegal smuggling activities and human trafficking.
“This situation will definitely have a negative impact on the country, especially the state of Sarawak and Bintulu in particular.”
He was commenting on the arrest of four Malaysian Immigration Department (JIM) officials suspected to be complicit with migrant smuggling syndicates in a special operation, Ops Kenyalang in Serian and Bintulu last Friday.
Ismawi pointed out that the activities of such officers could affect the tourism industry and a threat to national security.
“Things like this will affect the potential of tourists due to social security factors. It is hoped that the authorities will act decisively to ensure national security,” he added.
