Immigration probes alleged SOP breach at KLIA during minister's visit

SHAH ALAM - The Immigration Department has initiated a probe into the incident involving alleged SOP violation and security protocols at the international arrival hall at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) to defend a Chinese national barred from entering Malaysia.

Immigration director-general Datuk Ruslin Jusuh said the issue was reported by a local portal on June 29.

"The department has taken immediate action to initiate an investigation into the alleged incident reported in the news. The investigation will be conducted comprehensively, covering all relevant aspects," he said in a statement.

The department has requested public to give them some space to do a detailed iand transparent investigation without any speculation or provocation that could disturb the investigation.

Earlier, Tourism Ministry, Arts and Culture Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing confirmed his presence in a viral photo taken at KLIA at that time in response to complaints from tourists.

He said that it is customary for a minister to conduct field visits in order to gain a better understanding of the situation on the arrival of foreign tourists in Malaysia.

"This monitoring activity is a crucial part of my role as a minister to actively engage in the field and stay informed about the challenges and concerns faced by tourists," Tiong had said.

"At first, I didn't want to reveal this because I was acting on a more practical channel and platform. But because this issue went viral and many media practitioners contacted me, this is the explanation," he had said in a statement.

However, Transport Minister Anthony Loke said that he has not received any report on the incident as of yet, but he believes the airport authorities will conduct a detailed investigation into the incident.