2-7-2023 (KUALA LUMPUR) Tan Sri Azam Baki, the chief commissioner of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), has announced that a thorough investigation will be conducted to address allegations of corruption at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA). Baki stated that information will be gathered from all parties involved, and the investigation will proceed accordingly. However, he cautioned the public against sensationalizing or speculating on the matter, urging patience while the inquiry takes place.
The controversy unfolded on Thursday when a Chinese national, who arrived at KLIA from Shenzhen, claimed that she was denied entry by Immigration officers unless she paid a bribe. Surprisingly, her travel companion, a senior official from a Chinese TV station, did not encounter any such issues and was granted entry without complications. The Tourism, Arts, and Culture Minister, Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing, revealed that he was informed of the woman’s predicament by the Consulate General of Malaysia in Guangzhou.
Tiong visited KLIA on the same day and was informed by Immigration officers that the incident stemmed from a misunderstanding caused by a language barrier. In a subsequent statement, Tiong expressed concern over the treatment of the detained woman, emphasizing the need for the MACC to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the events that transpired at the country’s primary entry point. However, Tiong’s office later announced that he would refrain from making further comments to allow other authorities to carry out their investigations.
The director-general of the Immigration Department, Datuk Ruslin Jusoh, confirmed that an investigation has been initiated to thoroughly examine all aspects of the incident. Meanwhile, the Chinese Embassy in Malaysia released a statement asserting its commitment to safeguarding the rights and interests of Chinese citizens on Malaysian soil. The embassy stated that it is currently investigating the media reports regarding the challenges faced by the Chinese national at KLIA and is seeking additional information from relevant parties.
In Seremban, Transport Minister Anthony Loke disclosed that he had received a report from Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) regarding the incident. Loke clarified that ministers, including himself, possess VIP passes that grant them access to security areas at KLIA and explained that their presence in these zones for official work is permissible. He refuted claims of a “commotion” caused by a minister entering the arrival hall without an approval pass, stating that as long as they are present for official purposes, ministers are authorized to access such areas, even if they are not boarding a flight.
