KUALA LUMPUR – The Immigration Department has confirmed that 27 of the 161 individuals detained during a raid at a nightclub on Jalan Kampung Pandan in April 2024 were its officers.
According to undisclosed sources, the 161 individuals were apprehended during the raid, which was conducted by the Bukit Aman Narcotics Crime Investigation Department (NCID).
A police report obtained by Scoop revealed that authorities raided Mansion 9, located on Jalan Kampung Pandan, at 1.30 am on April 26, 2024, following intelligence regarding drug-related activities at the premises.
However, it is understood that the Immigration officers involved in the raid were released after they tested negative for drugs.
A source, when contacted by Scoop, confirmed the raid at the nightclub, which had also involved several Immigration officers who were reportedly enjoying themselves at the venue.
“It is true that the incident occurred, but it is understood that most of those detained were junior officers. The case has long been referred to the disciplinary division, but I have no further information on whether the officers involved are still serving here or have been reassigned,” the source said today.
The nightclub is believed to be owned by Alvin Goh, who previously made headlines when he reportedly escaped from the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) building in 2020 by scaling the back fence, with a vehicle waiting outside.
However, after 15 days on the run, he was arrested in Genting Highlands on October 27, 2020 for investigations into Macau Scam activities, online gambling, and money laundering. He was detained under the Prevention of Crime Act 1959 (POCA).
The day after his arrest, Alvin denied his involvement in these activities through a video that was allegedly uploaded to social media by a friend.
In April 2021, Alvin Goh and his brother Goh Yeong Hui pleaded not guilty at the Kuala Lumpur Sessions Court to seven charges relating to money laundering involving RM2.14 million.
In April 2022, Alvin was released after serving one and a half years under a POCA detention order.
Meanwhile, the police report filed by NCID officers also indicated that the nightclub owner was arrested in the raid for employing an undocumented migrant worker.
Additionally, ten individuals were arrested for breaching the terms of their work permits.
The raid occurred just months before former Immigration Director-General Datuk Ruslin Jusoh called on officers in the agency to uphold the department’s integrity and avoid misconduct in July 2023.
More recently, Immigration Director-General Datuk Zakaria Shaaban reaffirmed the department’s commitment to accountability.
Zakaria also announced plans to strengthen surveillance and implement stricter measures to prevent similar incidents involving its staff.
In November 2019, the department issued a directive prohibiting staff from visiting high-risk areas, such as entertainment outlets, massage parlours, gambling premises, or similar venues that could generate suspicion or negative perceptions of the organisation, unless authorised by the Director or on official duties.
The presence of the department’s officers and staff at such locations could harm the department’s image, particularly when there are raids by other enforcement agencies. – January 9, 2025
