Minister Says Tourist Asked To Pay RM18,000 Bribe At KLIA
The woman was allegedly asked to pay RM18,000 for her release, including RM3,000 for an air ticket to leave the country, RM3,000 to re-enter Malaysia, and RM12,000 for a visa application processing fee.
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Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing has intervened in an alleged corruption case at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) involving immigration officers.
He said the case came to light after a Chinese traveller was reportedly locked up in a room by immigration officers and coerced to pay an unknown sum for her release.
A suspected “intermediary” also appeared and offered to help “fix” the release.
The Alleged “3,000+3,000+12,000” Package
Taking to Facebook, Tiong said the woman was allegedly asked to pay RM18,000 for her release.
She was asked to pay RM3,000 for an air ticket to leave the country, RM3,000 to re-enter Malaysia, and RM12,000 for a visa application processing fee.
The incident has been described as a blatant attempt at corruption and abuse of power.
He claimed the immigration officers also confiscated the woman’s mobile phone, which was not within their authority.
If his statement is true, netizens said Tiong should lodge a report with the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (SPRM).
Menteri ni xboleh sesuka hati serbu. Tapi cerita rasuah dekat gate KLIA ni pun bukan baru. Siasat, Siasat, apa kes.
— Tow Truck (@abidin_anuar) June 30, 2023
Denial Of Racial Bias
Tiong, identified as the Minister mentioned in an exclusive report, rushed to KLIA with investigators from the ministry’s Integrity Division to understand and resolve the situation.
The woman’s mobile phone reportedly contained detailed records of her round-trip air tickets and hotel stays, which did not violate any immigration regulations.
The Bintulu MP denied accusations of helping the woman due to her race, stating that he would have supported the immigration officers if they had followed procedures and regulations.
The incident has sparked outrage among netizens, with calls for action against the immigration officers involved.
At the same time, Tiong was also criticised for abusing his power.
Tiong said he entered the arrival hall with a valid pass and that it was normal for a minister to monitor the activity on the ground.
He strongly denied the allegations that accused him of releasing foreign tourists detained by immigration authorities.
Tiong said he had no power to do so and would only damage his reputation if he did.
The Congress of Unions of Employees in the Public and Civil Services (Cuepacs) demanded a detailed investigation.
The president of Cuepacs, Datuk Adnan Mat, insisted that an individual of ministerial status should not do such things.
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