KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim acknowledged that there are issues related to the Immigration Department which need addressing, following claims of a "culture of corruption" within the department at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA).
He said while the majority of Immigration personnel are doing a good job, a small group are responsible for the problems.
He said an investigation will be carried out and action will be taken if necessary.
Anwar had conducted a surprise visit to inspect the customs and immigration operations at the airport prior to welcoming home Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah and Raja Permaisuri Agong Tunku Hajah Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah from Saudi Arabia following their haj pilgrimage.
It is understood that Anwar's visit was done without the presence of other dignitaries or ministers except for Immigration Department and Customs officers.
"Everything appears to be under control. There are some problems which need to be addressed but I wish to assure that a thorough investigation will be carried out.
"In general, the majority of Immigration officers are carrying out their duties well. There are some problems which we will address and if there are any mistakes, appropriate action will be taken.
"I will be studying the action to be taken. For now, Immigration has responded positively.
"However, we are identifying a small group who seem to still be unable to bring about change, and are now facing a number of accusations.
"A thorough investigation will be done. Preliminary discussions will be done at the cabinet level on Wednesday," he said.
Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing recently dropped a bombshell by claiming that a 'culture of corruption' was prevalent among some immigration officers at the country's main gateway.