This Family’s Travel Plans Were Grounded By A Tax Error At KLIA

They ended up cancelling their trip, as tickets for the next flight had tripled.

Subscribe to our FREE Newsletter, or Telegram and WhatsApp channels for the latest stories and updates.

A woman aired her frustration and disappointment on social media yesterday (23 February) after she and her husband were forced to miss their flight to Jakarta because airport authorities stopped them on their way to the flight gate.

Through her Facebook post, Irynn Ching detailed the entire incident beginning at the start of their day at 4am.

By 7.55am, they were ready to board the plane when immigration officers stopped her husband, claiming he had unresolved tax issues by the Inland Revenue Board (LHDN).

A costly false alarm

Irynn then said her husband does not recall any issues he might have with LHDN, but he was given a number to call an officer from LHDN.

He called the number but there was no answer, and the immigration officers told them to wait while they investigated.

Already late for their flight, Irynn’s husband told the officers that their flight takes off at 8.55am but they kept telling them to hold on.

Just 10 minutes before their flight, the couple were released after being told there was no debt owed to LHDN.

Missing the flight by minutes

After the matter was solved, Irynn shared how she and her husband scrambled for the flight gate and missed their flight by just two to three minutes.

She then explained how tickets for the next flight cost three times more than what they paid for the flight they missed.

Later that morning, at 11am, they made a police report at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) and asked why she and her husband were held from their flight.

“Tomorrow will go to LHDN to lodge another report, and attach the police report done today,” she said.

Irynn mentions that TransNusa (the airline) called them at 1pm to ask them to stand for the next flight which was scheduled for 2pm.

But, they decided to forgo their trip as the new tickets cost RM1,400, which was too expensive, said Irynn.

LHDN to assist in investigation

According to an update on the same post, Irynn’s husband visited LHDN today (24 February) and spoke to the officer in charge.

The tax board acknowledged their concerns and assured them they would assist in the investigation.

How and why did this happen?

In Malaysia, unresolved income tax issues – like unpaid taxes or unfiled returns – can get you barred from leaving the country. This is called a Stoppage Order, and it’s enforced under Section 104 of the Income Tax Act 1967.

Share your thoughts with us via TRP’s Facebook, X, Instagram, or Threads.

Shahril Bahrom

Shahril Bahrom is a Malaysian digital journalist known for his work with The Rakyat Post and World Of Buzz, covering social issues, technology, pop culture, and viral online trends. His writing combines accessible storytelling with strong awareness of Malaysian internet culture, often focusing on topics that resonate across social media and public discourse. Known for a conversational yet informative style, he specialises in digital-first journalism, human-interest stories, and trend-driven reporting that bridges mainstream news with contemporary online conversations.