PETALING JAYA: A probe will be launched to look into allegations of corruption at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), says Tan Sri Azam Baki.
“We will get information from all parties and investigate accordingly,” said the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) chief commissioner.
For now, the public should not sensationalise or speculate on the matter, he said in a brief statement yesterday.
An uproar erupted on Thursday when a Chinese national, who was detained on arrival at KLIA from Shenzhen, claimed that she was denied entry by Immigration officers unless she paid a sum of money. Her travel companion, who is a senior official of a Chinese TV station, apparently did not face such a problem as she was cleared for entry.
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Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing told The Star on Friday that he got a call from the Consulate General of Malaysia in Guangzhou about the predicament faced by the woman.
He went to KLIA that day where he was told by Immigration officers that there had been a misunderstanding due to language barrier.
In a statement later, Tiong said the woman was only given food once throughout the 15 hours that she was detained.
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“I feel it is time that the MACC enter KLIA in a big way to investigate what transpired at the country’s main entry point,” he said.
Yesterday, Tiong’s office said the minister would not comment further to allow other authorities to investigate the matter.
Immigration Department director-general Datuk Ruslin Jusoh said on Friday that an investigation had begun to find out “all aspects” of the incident.
The Chinese Embassy in Malaysia stated that it would make every effort to ensure the rights and interests of its citizens are protected while they are on Malaysian soil.
In a statement yesterday, it said it was investigating media reports about the problem faced by a Chinese national at KLIA.
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“We are checking with relevant parties for further information,” it said.
In Seremban yesterday, Transport Minister Anthony Loke said he had received a report from Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB).
“MAHB has confirmed that the minister was at the airport, accompanied by auxiliary policemen and MAHB security personnel,” he said, adding that ministers have VIP passes to enter security areas at KLIA.
“As far as the security pass is concerned, there is no issue here as he can access the area,” he said in reference to a report that a minister had caused a “commotion” and entered the arrival hall without seeking an approval pass.
He said they were allowed to access these areas even if they were not boarding a flight.
“As long as we (ministers) are there for official work, we can enter the area,” Loke told reporters.
