PUTRAJAYA: No officials from the department were involved in the incident where a foreign traveller was assaulted at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) Terminal 1, says the Malaysian Immigration Department.
According to Sinar Harian the Immigration Department Director General, Datuk Zakaria Shaaban was responding to a report regarding a video of a foreign traveller who received a Denied Entry Notice (NTL) at KLIA.
The report claimed that the foreign traveller was treated disrespectfully and punched by an officer.
He said that his department’s primary responsibility is to ensure national security while providing entry services at KLIA. "Every foreign traveller wishing to enter Malaysia must meet the entry requirements before being granted permission to enter the country. Those who fail to meet these requirements will be issued an NTL," he explained.
According to Zakaria, under Section 24 of the Immigration Act 1959/63, travellers issued an NTL will be handed over to the airline responsible for managing their return to the last point of embarkation.
He added that once the NTL notice is issued, the involved airline is tasked with ensuring that travellers are sent home promptly. While they await departure, NTL travellers will be accommodated in a designated area referred to as the “holding lounge.”
"This area is air-conditioned, furnished with waiting chairs, and close to essential facilities such as restrooms. Daily meals will also be provided three times a day by the airline," he noted.
Zakaria concluded by reiterating JIM's commitment to providing the best possible service to both citizens and foreign travellers entering Malaysia.
