PETALING JAYA, May 27 — The government should watch out for red flags that indicate possible graft to prevent scandals like the sabotage of the Malaysian Immigration System (myIMMs), anti-corruption groups said yesterday.

Transparency International Malaysia president Datuk Akhbar Satar said indicators of unlawful activities included officers staying back after work, having too much access to computerised information and being too close to specific members of the public.

“The system needs to be looked at to make sure there are no loopholes. There is no point having a great system if the person handling it does not have integrity,” he said.

“Red flags need to be taken note of. Those engaging in unusual activities need to be watched.”

Akhbar said cybercrime was a threat to national security and should be taken seriously to prevent recurrence.

“If they can intercept immigration systems, what is stopping them from doing so with other systems within the government?

“Once the government installs a computerised system, it should maintain it. If there are no funds, then it needs to prioritise funding,” he said. 

Centre to Combat Corruption and Cronyism (C4) chief Cynthia Gabriel said the probe into the immigration system compromise should be independently conducted.

“The investigation has to be independent and carried out as soon as possible,” she said.

“It should not be by another government committee but a body headed by a former judge or Bar Council president.

“An external audit of the Immigration Department has to be done, especially since the sabotage has been going on for some time.”

Gabriel said there was a need for a better check and balance system to ensure government departments were better administered to keep corruption at bay.