No issue on KLIA security as ministers have VIP access, says Loke

SEREMBAN: Ministers have VIP passes to enter security areas at the KL International Airport, says Anthony Loke (pic).

The Transport Minister said the ministers were allowed to access these areas even if they were not boarding a flight.

"I was at one of the departure halls at the airport for a launch on Friday (June 30) and I did not have to take a pass since I already have one.

"So as long as we (ministers) are there for official work, we can enter the area," he told reporters.

A minister had "barged" into the arrival hall at KLIA and created a commotion in an attempt to "free" a Chinese national who had been barred entry.

Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing said he had entered the restricted zone at the airport without a permit or pass.

He said he had to personally step in to help an employee of a China-based media company after Immigration officers held her up upon her arrival from Shenzhen.

The woman had alleged that although her travel documents were in order, she was denied entry by Immigration officers.

She had also alleged that she was asked to pay several thousand ringgit if she wanted to be allowed entry.

Loke said he had also received a report from Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad regarding the matter.

"The MAHB had also confirmed that the minister was at the airport and he was accompanied by auxiliary policemen and security personnel from the company.

"So, as far as the security pass is concerned, there is no issue here as he can access the area," he said.

However, Loke said he was not sure what exactly transpired as he was not present and there was no CCTV recording of what happened.

"The MAHB report said the minister was accompanied by security personnel when he entered the airport and left.

"This is more of an Immigration issue and the Home Ministry will carry out a probe," he added.