TWO Chinese nationals have been detained and charged for allegedly flying a drone in a restricted area near the Malaysian Ministry of Defence (Wisma Pertahanan) on Jalan Padang Tembak earlier this month.
According to a statement issued by the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) Criminal Investigation Department on Thursday, the pair were apprehended by Military Police during a routine patrol on 6 August after they were spotted operating a drone near the ministry’s football field.
“The police seized various pieces of equipment, including a drone and several memory cards,” the statement said. A subsequent search of the suspects’ hotel room uncovered additional drone-related gear.
During initial questioning, the men claimed the drone footage was captured at the instruction of their employer, though they reportedly had no knowledge of the motive or purpose behind the surveillance.
“The police are liaising with several international and domestic agencies to verify the background and travel history of both suspects,” the department added.
The duo were brought before the Kuala Lumpur Sessions Court on Wednesday, facing charges under Sections 3(a) and 4 of the Official Secrets Act for alleged espionage and unauthorised documentation in a prohibited zone. Both men pleaded not guilty after the charges were read in Mandarin.
Judge Izralizam Sanusi denied bail and fixed 11 September for the appointment of defence counsel and submission of documents. - August 14, 2025
