KUALA LUMPUR – The Immigration Department has begun an immediate investigation into an incident at the Pudu Urban Transformation Centre (UTC) this morning that saw on-duty reporters harassed and threatened by security guards.
This was after the journalists attempted to speak to members of the public who had waited in line at the immigration office for hours, with some told to return on another day, triggering tension at the premises.
Immigration director-general Datuk Seri Khairul Dzaimee Daud took note of the incident and vowed to improve the department’s services to the public, following numerous complaints of long queues following the reopening of international borders.
“The incident (at Pudu UTC) is being investigated. We are also constantly striving to ensure better services,” he said in a brief WhatsApp message when contacted today.
It is unclear at the moment if the security personnel at the premises were employed by the Immigration Department or the Finance Ministry, which is in charge of establishing and overseeing all UTCs in the country.
When contacted, an officer from the ministry said they are also currently looking into the matter.
The Vibes has also reached out to Home Minister Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin for comment and is awaiting a response.
The incident at Pudu UTC today started after security guards at the location threatened The Vibes’ journalists to leave the premises, otherwise they would have to be forced out.
The reporters, who were subjected to a barrage of verbal intimidation, were told they could not take pictures or speak to the public without formal approval from management authorities.
Later, the guards forcefully snatched away a phone used by one of the journalists upon realising they were being recorded, while shouting at the reporters to leave, despite the journalists displaying their government-issued media passes.
“You need permission to be here! This is UTC, do you understand?!” a guard shouted at the reporters, later threatening to get police involved if they did not leave the premises.
Several members of the public had protested and lambasted the security personnel before the journalist’s phone was eventually returned.
A video clip of the incident, which has gone viral on social media, has triggered a furious response from the public over the improper, violent and aggressive behaviour of the guard.
Several users also claimed to have been at the receiving end of abuse by the same security personnel during their time at the premises. – The Vibes, May 14, 2022
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— TheVibes.com (@thevibesnews) May 14, 2022
Two reporters from The Vibes were subjected to a barrage of verbal intimidation and threats at the @imigresenmy office in UTC Pudu today.
The guard is heard yelling "This is UTC! Do you understand?! Get out!" despite the reporters identifying themselves as media. pic.twitter.com/IIGTFJBxYG
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