Viral video footage shows 17 immigration counters at Kompleks Sultan Abu Bakar (KSAB), Gelang Patah in Johor Bahru left unattended, despite all counters showing green lights, indicating that they are operational.
Chairman of the Johor Public Works, Transport, Infrastructure, and Communications Committee, Mohamad Fazli Mohamad Salleh said, his party conducted a surprise inspection at the Customs, Immigration, and Quarantine (CIQ) Complex in KSAB yesterday following public outrage.
Fazli then confirmed that the counters were left unmanned and the lanes were also blocked, despite the green lights left on. The green lights were then switched to red lights to prevent confusion among drivers who wanted to cross the border.
“If no solid reason is given behind this incident, it can be considered a deliberate act,” Fazli said.
In the meantime, the Director of Johor Immigration, Datuk Mohd Rusdi Mohd Darus said that an internal investigation was carried out by his side to investigate the incident.
“The internal investigation will determine whether the immigration officers manning the counters neglected their duties or deliberately left the counter without permission,” Rusdi said in a statement.
Rusdi also said that such behaviour would not be tolerated, and strict disciplinary action would be taken against them if they are found guilty.
“We cannot accept if they indeed left the counters unmanned without permission. It is a breach of responsibility and I take this issue seriously,” Rusdi said.
You can watch the viral video footage below.
Stay tuned as we keep you updated on the matter.
Also read: “No staff at these counters?” – Senior Immigration Officer Asks During Surprise Visit at PJ Branch
