A video of a Malaysian immigration officer assaulting a foreigner at the department’s Johor Bahru office has been going viral online. In the video, posted by Facebook user Ranendra Bhattacharya, the officer can be seen hitting the victim’s head with an object, before pounding on the foreigner’s hand which was placed on the scanner.
The incident reportedly occurred around 9am on 30 May. Bhattacharya wrote, “Please, Government of Malaysia, this is a disgusting display of authority.” as he posted the video, which has garnered over 78,000 views so far:
Please gomen of Malaysia ??, this is a disgusting display of authority.“Layanan oleh pegawai immigration kepada perkerja asing. “Di immigration johor bahru. 30.05.2018”
Posted by Ranendra Bhattacharyya on Tuesday, 29 May 2018
While it remains unclear why the immigration officer behaved in the manner he did, Immigration director-general Datuk Seri Mustafar Ali has since revealed that the officer has been suspended and most likely will be dismissed. Mustafa added that the officer was suspended immediately after the footage capturing his act went viral online.
Elaborating that any action taken against the officer will be based on Malaysia’s Public Service Regulations, Mustafa said: “His actions have damaged the Department’s image and reputation. It is clearly against our code of ethics of public service. We will never compromise against anyone who commits such despicable action. Among further action that can be taken is termination of employment.”