Malaysia’s Home Minister Denies ‘Culture of Corruption’ in Immigration; Investigates Company’s Role in Handling ‘Not To Land’ Cases
Malaysia’s Home Minister, Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, has denied claims of a culture of corruption within the Immigration Department when it comes to handling foreign arrivals at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA). The denial came in response to allegations that a company called Mono Circle Sdn Bhd was involved in extorting money from foreign arrivals who were denied entry into Malaysia.
According to the Home Minister, the company was appointed by an airline to provide food and flight tickets to foreign arrivals who were not allowed to land at KLIA. The company’s staff allegedly requested money from the Not To Land (NTL) foreign arrivals in exchange for their services, including facilitating their return to their home countries and arranging meals while they waited for their flights.
Saifuddin explained that the government had appointed Mono Circle on February 5, 2023, without his knowledge. Upon discovering this appointment, he immediately contacted Transport Minister Anthony Loke to reassess the company’s role. The Home Minister emphasized that any foreign arrival at the airport has the right to refuse any request for payment made by individuals claiming to be government representatives.
While the government did not deny the possibility of foul play and extortion, Saifuddin assured the public that the government has been working to improve procedures and eliminate bribery. He urged individuals to report any instances of corruption or misconduct they come across.
In a related incident, Malaysian Tourism, Arts, and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing intervened in a corruption case involving immigration officers at KLIA. The incident occurred when the minister personally went to the international arrival hall after being alerted about the detention of a Chinese tourist who had been denied entry and detained there.
Another case that recently came to light involves a Chinese national student who was unexpectedly detained by the Malaysian Immigration Department for nearly a month. The student had come to Malaysia to pursue a master’s degree but found himself in a distressing situation. The detainment pushed him to the brink, leading him to protest through a hunger strike. It was later revealed that the student had paid an agent RM 6,000 (approximately US$1,283) to obtain a special visa, unaware of the consequences awaiting him.
Saifuddin’s remarks and the incidents highlighted raise concerns about possible corruption within the Immigration Department and the treatment of foreign arrivals in Malaysia. The government’s response to these allegations will be closely watched, as it will determine the public’s confidence in the integrity of the immigration system.
It remains to be seen how the investigation into Mono Circle’s role in handling the Not To Land cases will unfold and whether any further action will be taken against those involved in suspected corruption. The Malaysian government faces the challenge of addressing these issues to ensure transparency, accountability, and fair treatment for all foreign arrivals at KLIA.
