Z
Zhou Tai
Guest
Jun 17, 2011
JB officials suspended over nude squat claim
Singapore to monitor closely outcome of Malaysia's investigation
By Tham Yuen-C
--ST PHOTO: DESMOND WEE
TWO Johor Baru immigration officials have been suspended over the treatment of the Singaporean women detained last week - as the Singapore Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) said it would 'closely monitor' the outcome of Malaysia's investigation.
The two women have said they were ordered to undress and do squats after accidentally passing through immigration without getting their passports stamped.
Malaysia's Immigration Department director-general Alias Ahmad said yesterday that the officials have been suspended until the seven-man panel completes its investigation.
Meanwhile, the MFA said the allegations 'are serious and raise concerns'. 'We welcome the quick announcement of the Malaysian authorities of an immediate investigation,' said a spokesman.
Malaysia set up its multi-agency inquiry on Wednesday to investigate the incident, which has led to criticism of the women's treatment from both sides of the Causeway.
The committee, comprising officials from the police, prisons, immigration and detention centre departments, headed to Johor yesterday to start the probe.
Mr Alias told the Nanyang Siang Pau newspaper the committee has been instructed to complete the task in five days, then submit a report to the Immigration Department. He said it would summon the two Singaporean women if necessary.
He stressed that their detention was legal as they had broken Malaysia's Immigration Act and did not pass through the biometric fingerprint checks.
Read the full story in Friday's edition of The Straits Times.
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