Some 600 officers from Malaysia's immigration department have been transferred out of Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) as some are suspected of working with criminal syndicates to smuggle in workers from Bangladesh, reports The Star from Putrajaya. Malaysian Home Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said only a handful of these officers were involved with the smuggling ring, but the government has decided to transfer some 600 out of Malaysia's biggest airport. "I am pleased by how the (Immigration) director-general (Mustafar Ali) is dealing with the issue. "This handful of officers, who have been violating the laws and working with syndicates, will be dealt with. We do not condone such acts," said Datuk Seri Zahid, who is also Deputy Prime Minister.

"Let us not forget that thousands of other immigration personnel are dedicated and efficient in their work," said Mr Zahid after chairing a meeting on foreign workers and illegal immigrants on Friday.

Malaysia is a popular destination for Asian workers as it is easy to get blue-collar jobs.