A SOCIAL media post that went viral recently shows several unidentified individuals approaching the public at an airport terminal.
They appear to be asking for money, and it is claimed that this happened at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA).
Did this happen there as claimed?
Verdict:
TRUE
KLIA OCPD Asst Comm Ravi Munusamy said in a statement on Friday (April 10) that three foreigners have been detained for allegedly soliciting donations from the public at KLIA.
He said the arrests followed a viral social media post showing several people approaching the public at the airport.
"Acting on the information, a team from the KLIA district police headquarters carried out an operation at about 2pm on March 9," he said.
He added that those detained were a man and two women, aged 48 to 50, who were found asking for donations from people in the terminal area.
"Initial checks found that they were the same ones featured in a viral TikTok video, where they were seen targeting members of the public to seek donations," he said.
Further investigations found that the trio had been approaching other foreigners, claiming that they needed money to buy food and daily necessities.
"They told authorities that they had arrived at KLIA from Genting Highlands and had run out of cash," he added.
The case is being investigated under Section 28(g) of the Minor Offences Act 1955, which carries a fine of up to RM250 or imprisonment of up to six months, or both, if found guilty; as well as Section 39(b) of the Immigration Regulations 1963 for misuse of permits, which provides for a fine of up to RM1,000 or jail of up to six months, or both, upon conviction.
ACP Ravi also urged the public, especially at KLIA Terminals 1 and 2, to remain cautious when approached by unknown individuals to avoid falling victim to scams and to lodge police reports if necessary.
