New syndicate emerges to subvert crackdown on counter setting

New syndicate emerges to subvert crackdown on counter setting

B Nantha Kumar
Published: Aug 23, 2025 9:00 AM
Updated: 11:09 AM


Summary

• Flaws within the system are hampering the government’s push to curb corruption at border checkpoints.

• New syndicate has emerged to exploit the autogate system, although a source says most agents and officers are still colluding under the counter-setting syndicate to make a living.

SPECIAL REPORT | The government’s push to curb corruption at border checkpoints by expanding the use of automatic gates (autogates) is facing setbacks due to flaws within the system itself.

Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail previously said the initiative is expected to reduce reliance on the discretion of immigration officers using the manual system.

However, several sources told Malaysiakini that the government’s efforts to eliminate syndicates related to the entry and exit of foreigners - especially via counter settings - have instead led to the emergence of a new syndicate exploiting the autogate system.

The counter-setting syndicate refers to the unlawful clearance of individuals through immigration counters without proper procedures, particularly undocumented migrants in Malaysia.

It is understood that the new syndicate involves foreigners from visa-exempt countries - such as China - who exploit the system loopholes to overstay in Malaysia without physically exiting the country.

However, regarding autogate use, a source from the Immigration Department headquarters in Putrajaya jokingly remarked that the new syndicate is still in a “trial phase.”

“Most agents and officers are still colluding under the counter-setting syndicate to make a living.

“Many don’t use this autogate syndicate because it’s only applicable to visitors from visa-exempt countries.

“It’s only recently gained popularity among agents, especially those bringing in Chinese nationals and visitors from African countries who now use autogates to enter and exit our country,” the source said.

No more travelling out

In this new syndicate, travellers enjoying a 30-day visa-free stay no longer travel out of the country to re-enter and reset their visa period.

Instead, they only need to go through the autogate and scan their passport at the departure hall.

“In the national system, they are then recorded as having exited the country,” the source explained.

After that, the source added, the foreigner waits at the departure hall for two to three hours before re-entering.

“From the departure terminal, they go down to the arrival hall and head directly to the autogate counter.

“After scanning the passport, the Malaysian system shows they have just entered the country after leaving, and another 30-day stay is granted,” he said.

Previously, travellers would typically leave for nearby countries such as Singapore, Thailand, or Indonesia on the 28th or 29th day and then re-enter Malaysia.

The government has announced its plan to implement autogate systems on a large scale at all national entry points to enhance border control and combat various cross-border syndicates.

Saifuddin announced that a total of 635 autogate units would be installed at 123 entry points under the management of the Border Control and Protection Agency.

There are 63 countries that enjoy a 30-day visa exemption, with China being the latest addition last year.

‘Money in, autogate opens’

When asked why the issue is seen as a syndicate rather than simply a system flaw, a source from the agency responded bluntly.

“Money in, autogate opens.”

According to the source, agency officers assigned to monitor autogates who are in collusion would “pretend not to see” what’s happening.

Moreover, he said, at busy border points like Terminal 1 and 2 at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport in Sepang, the crowd makes it difficult to identify suspicious behaviour.

“To be fair, the current government is working hard to eradicate these syndicates. That is undeniable.

“The problem is, greedy agents and officers will always find new ways to continue syndicates that allow foreigners to enter the country illegally,” he said.

He also alleged that autogates are usually monitored by “problematic officers.”

“Their (immigration) stamp privileges are revoked. No stamp, no money.

“So, the officers themselves will make arrangements with agents during their shifts (to make money),” the source said.

One passport, many pass through

Detailing a case at KLIA, a source from Terminal 1 claimed that the autogate system is being misused when more than one traveller from abroad passes through using a single passport.

The system, he claimed, cannot detect such cases, and no alarm is triggered when it happens.

Sometimes, he added, agents would even use their own passports.

“The Malaysian agent scans their passport, and once the facial recognition process is completed, the autogate opens.

“And they bring all the foreign nationals through the autogate, as the gate only closes once everyone has passed through.

“This isn’t fiction. There’s solid evidence. But no action has been taken - just like always, officers take money and turn a blind eye,” he said.

He added that his intention in exposing these issues was not to shame the government or the agency but to bring such matters to the attention of higher authorities.

Just like Touch ‘n Go

In Johor, according to an immigration source, similar tactics are being carried out at the Customs, Immigration, and Quarantine (CIQ) complexes at Sultan Iskandar Building (BSI), Johor Bahru, and Sultan Abu Bakar Complex (KSAB), Iskandar Puteri.

Unlike at KLIA, travellers there do not need to purchase a flight ticket.

“They take a vehicle, including buses, to KSAB. Before reaching immigration, they get off and use the pedestrian path to access the autogate.

The Johor Customs, Immigration and Quarantine Complex


“Then, they rejoin the same vehicle and make a U-turn before reaching the Singapore checkpoint.

“It’s like entering a toll plaza. Using a passport like using a Touch ‘n Go card.

“Imagine how you enter and exit a toll plaza - scan the Touch ‘n Go card. After exiting, you can just enter the same toll plaza again,” he said.

He added that at BSI, it’s even easier.

“After using the autogate, they walk towards Singapore but then turn back to Malaysia - again using the autogate.

“They don’t even walk halfway across the Causeway. Then they turn back,” he said.

Where are the body cameras?

An agency source also revealed that officers on duty at KLIA are still not required to wear body cameras.

“Although the minister has ordered officers on duty at KLIA to wear body cameras, the officers still insist on not wearing them,” the source said.

He added that the distributed cameras are still stored at the KLIA Immigration Office.

Previously, Saifuddin said a total of 600 body camera units were provided to immigration officers to improve the agency’s integrity.

In addition to this syndicate, Malaysiakini has also exposed several others at border checkpoints, such as fly (fake exit-entry stamps), counter settings, and phantom travels (exit without system record).

Malaysiakini has contacted the agency and is still awaiting a response.