6-7-2023 (KUALA LUMPUR) Allegations made by a Chinese tourist have sparked suspicions of illicit activities at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA). The tourist claimed that she was coerced into paying RM18,000 to resolve issues upon her arrival, leading investigators to believe that a network facilitating the entry of troubled Chinese tourists into Malaysia may be in operation.
Authorities suspect that the individual responsible for demanding payment may also be assisting other Chinese tourists facing entry difficulties. The agent is believed to be a foreign worker agent from Malaysia, and investigators are actively searching for their whereabouts.
The incident has shed light on the practice known as “setting counters,” which involves directing “problematic” foreigners to specific Immigration counters to facilitate their entry. Sources familiar with the case confirmed that setting counter activities are indeed occurring at both KLIA and KLIA2.
“The agent involved has been identified, and investigators are currently tracing their movements,” stated an anonymous source with knowledge of the investigation.
In relation to the incident that occurred on June 29, involving a Chinese female tourist, four Immigration officers at KLIA have provided statements to investigators. However, it remains unclear if the questioning has been concluded.
On Monday, the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission obtained statements from Tourism, Arts, and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing, as well as the tourist and a witness involved in the incident.
Earlier reports indicated that a Cabinet minister had caused a commotion in the KLIA arrival hall while attempting to intervene on behalf of a Chinese national who had been denied entry into Malaysia.
Minister Tiong clarified the situation, explaining that he personally intervened to assist an employee of a China-based media company who had encountered complications with the Immigration officers upon her arrival from Shenzen. Despite having valid travel documents, the woman claimed she was refused entry and was then coerced into paying a substantial sum of money to gain access.
