Immigration to probe claim of minister raising a ruckus at KLIA

KUALA LUMPUR: A probe is being conducted after a news report alleged that a minister caused a commotion at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA).

"A thorough investigation covering all aspects connected to the incident will be carried out," Immigration Department director-general Datuk Ruslin Jusoh said in a statement on Friday (June 30).

He was referring to an article published by a news portal titled "EKSKLUSIF: Menteri buat kecoh di KLIA tuntut pelawat China ditahan imigresen dibebaskan" (Exclusive: Minister causes commotion at KLIA demanding release of visitor from China by Immigration) which was published on Thursday (June 29).

The report was also used by several other media agencies.

Ruslin urged the public to allow his department to conduct its investigation and refrain from speculating or inciting matters further.

It was reported that the minister allegedly raised a fuss at the airport to help a Chinese citizen who was denied entry into the country.

The portal alleged that the minister scolded auxiliary police and Immigration personnel during the incident.

It was learnt this was the third time the minister reportedly acted this way over foreign nationals who had been detained.

Cuepacs president Datuk Adnan Mat urged the government to investigate the incident for breach of standard operating procedures and security protocol at KLIA.

"All leaders must trust the authorities in dispensing their duties.

“If there was any misunderstanding, the minister could have provided assistance according to procedure or obtained a clearer picture of the incident from personnel on the ground," he said, adding that no one was above the law.

He said action should be taken against the minister in order to avoid a repeat of the incident.