KUALA LUMPUR: Seven Immigration officers arrested last year under the Internal Security Act (ISA) for alleged involvement in human trafficking will be freed in stages from today, Home Minister Datuk Seri Hisham­muddin Hussein announced.

He said three would be freed today while the rest would be released very soon.

“The seven were detained last October for alleged involvement in human trafficking in the country.

“We decided to free them as they have shown remorse and repented for their actions and have promised not to repeat the offence,” Hisham­muddin said.

He said the seven had been cooperating with the authorities, especially with the police who have been working tirelessly to curb human trafficking activities in the country.

He said the arrest of the Immi­gration officers under the ISA was done in the interest of national security and public order as the Govern­ment was committed to combating human trafficking.

He also said their arrest was to enable the authorities to thoroughly investigate human trafficking activities within the country as well as those bringing them in.

“The arrest is also to show that the Government is committed in fighting human trafficking.

“We will not tolerate or allow our country to be a transit point for syndicates involved in human trafficking,’’ he added.

Hishammuddin warned those entrusted with ensuring the security of the country at all entry and exit points not to abuse the trust given to them.