Entry restrictions into Sabah are state's absolute right, says CM

SABAH has the absolute power to determine which individuals are allowed to enter Sabah, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.

However, he stressed that this was based on information from security and related agencies.

He said that with information provided by the relevant parties, only then can the state take action according to its existing powers.

"For your information, the Sabah government has the absolute power to determine who can enter Sabah or not.

"This also requires information from security agencies and certain parties before we take action," he told the media at the launching ceremony of the Honest Shop Programme at Sekolah Kebangsaan (SK Mutiara), Kota Kinabalu, today.

Hajiji said this when asked to comment on allegations that businessman, Datuk Albert Tei was prevented from entering Sabah after arriving at the Kota Kinabalu International Airport (KKIA), yesterday.

Albert or his full name, Datuk Albert Tei Jiann Cheing, came to Sabah to appear in court for the re-mention of a corruption case related to the mineral exploration license application issue scheduled at the Sessions Court, today.

Apart from Albert, the other two accused in the case are Sindumin State Assemblyman (ADUN), Datuk Dr Yusof @ Josree Yacob and Tanjung Batu Assemblyman, Datuk Andi Muhammad Suryady Bandy.

Yesterday, through a statement, Albert's lawyer, Mahajoth Singh, sought an explanation from the Chief Minister regarding the restrictions imposed on his client.

Mahajoth claimed that Albert was prevented from entering Sabah upon arriving at the KKIA at about 12.30 pm and was scheduled to attend the case mention at the Kota Kinabalu Sessions Court at 9 am, today.

He claimed that upon arrival his client was stopped and told by an Immigration Department officer that Albert could not enter Sabah due to restrictions from the Sabah Chief Minister's Office.

He said he was disappointed when his client had to prove that he had an ongoing court case by contacting the investigating officer and emailing relevant documents to the immigration officer. - September 23, 2025