KUALA LUMPUR – Problematic Immigration officers at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) make up only a small group but will nonetheless be probed into, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said after a surprise check on Immigration and Customs at the airport today.
“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.
The prime minister was speaking while waiting to receive Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah and Raja Permaisuri Agong Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah on their arrival from Saudi Arabia after performing their hajj.
Anwar’s spot check on Immigration and Customs at KLIA today took place after controversy over claims made by Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing against allegedly corrupt Immigration officials who had reportedly prevented tourists with valid documents from entering Malaysia at the airport and demanded money in exchange for their release.
Tiong himself has been accused, in a leaked video clip, of interfering in the duties of Immigration officers at KLIA and causing a ruckus by allegedly barging in without security authorisation to demand the release of a tourist from China.
While he confirmed that he was the minister in the supposed commotion, he also said he was carrying out his role as tourism minister.
Transport Minister Anthony Loke confirmed that Tiong, as a minister, has VIP access to security areas in KLIA.
As to claims of alleged corruption by Immigration officers at the airport, the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission has said it will investigate such allegations, while travel and tourism groups threw their support behind Tiong for exposing these long-standing concerns that affect the tourism industry. – The Vibes, July 2, 2023
