The Immigration Department (JIM) has detained a Bangladeshi man after a viral social media post alleged he possessed two passports, including a Malaysian International Passport (PMA) and a Bangladesh passport.
In a statement today, JIM said it took immediate action following the online claims, which sparked widespread public concern and calls for an investigation.
A joint task force comprising JIM Pahang and the Pahang National Registration Department (JPN) was formed to trace the individual and verify the authenticity of the allegations.
Acting on intelligence, a six-member immigration enforcement team raided a container at Jalan Kuantan Bandar Damansara, Kuantan, at about 6.30pm on July 4, where they found a Bangladeshi national inside.
A search of the premises uncovered two expired Malaysian International Passports, which had lapsed on April 25, 2017, and Oct 25, 2022, as well as a Seafarer’s Service Book belonging to a Malaysian citizen.
The foreign national was arrested and taken to the Kuantan Immigration Office to assist with investigations.
JIM said investigations are ongoing to establish the rightful owner of the two Malaysian passports and the seafarer’s document, while also determining whether offences involving unauthorised possession, misuse of travel documents or other violations under existing laws were committed.
The department stressed that it views all allegations involving the misuse or possession of Malaysian travel documents seriously and urged the public to refrain from speculating while investigations are underway.
It further said that stern action would be taken against those found to have breached the law.
