Create special SOPs for tourists, says Kok after KLIA debacle

KUALA LUMPUR - Seputeh MP Teresa Kok has proposed the setting of a new SOP tailored for tourists entering the country to prioritise the safety and well-being of tourists visiting Malaysia.

Kok believes it is crucial for the Malaysian Tourism Board, Immigration Department, police, and the Foreign Ministry to convene and hold discussions on the matter.

“We must build a friendly strategy framework with the growth on the tourism industry,” she said on Twitter on Tuesday.

Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King on Friday admitted he was the minister reported causing a commotion in the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) to aid a Chinese citizen arrested from entering Malaysia.

He claimed corruption culture existed involving a few officials and ‘chronic’ abuse of power at the entrance to the country.

The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki said his officers would investigate the allegations of corruption involving the immigration officers in KLIA as the minister claimed.

Selangor police chief Hussein Omar Khan said a police enquiry paper was opened over the incident and several parties were called to give a statement.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in his surprise visit in KLIA on Sunday gave his word that thorough investigation over the incident and the case would be brought up in the Cabinet meeting tomorrow.