MIRI – All eyes will be on Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing as he is slated to inform the cabinet on what transpired recently between him and Immigration officers at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA).
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said Tiong is expected to provide a detailed briefing at the meeting this Wednesday in Putrajaya.
“I already had a discussion with Tiong on the matter.
“I have also discussed (it) with the home minister, as immigration matters are under his ministry.
“This Wednesday, the cabinet will meet…this issue will be brought up for discussion, and Tiong will explain his side of the story,” he told a press conference in Kuching, today.
Zahid has been in Kuching for a two-day official visit since yesterday.
Tiong was reported to have entered Terminal 1 of KLIA and subsequently confronted an Immigration officer.
Tiong had later clarified that he was there to expose the corrupt practices of Immigration officers, claiming that he had been informed of some officers allegedly demanding money from foreign tourists to allow them to enter the country.
His action had since drawn both praises and criticism from politicians, associations, and other quarters.
Yesterday, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said while problematic Immigration officers at the KLIA make up only a small group, some will nonetheless be probed into.
“The situation is under control (at KLIA Customs and Immigration)...there are a few problems that need fixing, and I gave assurance that an investigation will be done.
“But the majority of Immigration officers are good…it’s just a few (who have) problems, so we will conduct an investigation and take appropriate action.
“It’s just a small group that still resists change. God-willing, the investigation will be done, and the cabinet will hold initial discussions on the matter during its meeting this Wednesday,” Anwar said after a surprise check on Immigration and Customs at the airport. – The Vibes, July 3, 2023
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