[UPDATED] MACC to probe graft allegations at KLIA 

KUALA LUMPUR – The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) will investigate allegations that immigration officers at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) had solicited bribes from foreigners.

The anti-graft body’s chief Tan Sri Azam Baki said it was now in the process of gathering more information from all quarters concerned, including a particular minister and the Immigration Department.

“We will investigate the matter in detail. The public is urged not to speculate and sensationalise the issue,” he said.

It was earlier reported that a minister had allegedly gone against safety protocols and barged past immigration counters to purportedly “rescue” a tourist from China being detained by the authorities.

The incident had also since gone viral on social media after the minister entered the arrival hall without first obtaining a safety pass.

The minister had claimed that some immigration officers demanded bribes of up to RM3,000 from detained tourists to be released and sent back to their home countries.

The Immigration Department, in a statement, had also said it has begun investigations into the incident.

Tourism, Arts, and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing later confirmed that he was the minister who was reportedly involved. 

He said he had gone to check on a tourist who was detained without any reason given, leading to the ruckus. He said there was a problem as the tourist and the immigration officers had a communication problem.

He defended his move, claiming that it is customary for a minister to conduct such visits to understand the situation concerning the arrival of foreign tourists to Malaysia.

Tiong had called on MACC to conduct a large-scale raid at the international arrival gate. He added that he was accompanied by investigators from his ministry’s integrity unit when he went in.

Meanwhile, the Malaysian Tourism Agency Association praised Tiong for taking such proactive action, and gave its full support for his move to give serious focus to the issue.

Its president Datuk Mohd Khalid Harun expressed concern that visitors would be dissuaded from coming to Malaysia.

He stressed that the Malaysian tourism industry has many competitors, as neighbouring countries are offering facilities for tourists that entice them to travel to these places. 

Meanwhile, Immigration Director-General Datuk Ruslin Jusoh said his department was conducting an immediate investigation which would comprehensively cover all related aspects of the incident.

He requested the public to cooperate so that the investigation process runs smoothly. – The Vibes, July 1, 2023