PUTRAJAYA: Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency (AKPS) Director-General Comm Datuk Seri Mohd Shuhaily Mohd Zain says he is ready to face any outcome following a leaked video showing him confronting two individuals at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA).
Addressing the issue at a press conference on Tuesday (Oct 1), Comm Mohd Shuhaily acknowledged his personal shortcomings.
“I have said many times that I am not perfect. I am standing here today before you, addressing my incompleteness,” he said.
Explaining the Sept 28 incident, Comm Mohd Shuhaily said he and his team were at KLIA following complaints about a foreign tout syndicate and multiple attempts to smuggle drugs out of the country.
“With those two factors combined, I decided to conduct an enforcement operation that day, specifically on Level 5. By chance, the exact activity we received intel on occurred right in front of us,” he said.
“We detained the tout and brought him to the baggage inspection room. At the time, the enforcement action involved only my team and Aviation Security (AVSEC).”
He explained that during questioning, two unknown individuals entered the room and began recording the proceedings without permission.
“My officers brought the two to us, and we instructed them to delete the recording. As seen in the video, I strongly rebuked them and issued a stern warning—in line with my duty as a police officer issuing orders,” he said.
While Comm Mohd Shuhaily declined to identify the two individuals, two police reports that surfaced online—filed by two police officers—revealed the identity of the complainants.
He acknowledged being aware of the reports filed over the incident.
Addressing how the footage ended up online, Comm Mohd Shuhaily noted that the circulating video was a secondary recording of the original clip rather than direct footage. He did not rule out the possibility that it was part of an attempt to damage his reputation.
“My team and I discussed the issue and lodged a police report stating that there could be efforts to sully the image and reputation of the AKPS, as well as my own name,” he said.
“I have informed the highest levels of government leadership on what transpired, and I will accept whatever decision comes.
“If the price of change is myself, then I will pay it.”
When asked whether any physical altercation occurred between him and those involved, Comm Mohd Shuhaily said he would leave the matter to investigating authorities.
“I don’t want to comment on whether physical contact took place because it will just turn into a case of 'my word against theirs,'” he said.
“I attended Tun Hasmah’s funeral, and footage of me that day was widely shared on social media. You can see for yourselves whether there was an injury on my forehead. I leave it to your wisdom as journalists to do your own investigation,” he quipped.
