KUALA LUMPUR: Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing today claimed that there was a "culture of corruption" within the Immigration Department's handling of arrivals of foreign visitors at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA).
Confirming that he was the minister reported to have entered KLIA Terminal 1's arrival hall, he however denied that he was there to demand that the authorities release a female tourist from China.
He said his visit was carried out to expose corrupt activities at the country's main gateway.
Referring to news reports, and an accompanying photo of a minister in the commotion, he confirmed that he was the person in question.
"Yes, it's true. From the picture, it was me. I was there at KLIA after receiving a complaint from a tourist. I went there to understand the situation faced by tourists arriving in Malaysia. It is normal for a minister to survey the situation on the ground," he said in a statement.
Tiong however denied claims that he had ordered the Immigration Department to release the tourist from its custody.
"What happened was that, she was detained and not given any reason for the detention. The problem arose when both parties, namely the tourist and immigration officers, had a communication problem.
"I was told that the tourist had a complete set of documentation. However, communication failure resulted in the immigration officers failing to obtain the relevant documents," he said.
Tiong said this was why he had since March raised the issue of communication, such as the need to provide translators for tourists from the Middle East, China and India at the country's gateways to ease the process.
"The question is, why did they reject the translators provided by Malaysia Airport Holding Berhad (MAHB)?"
The minister said during his visit, he was accompanied by investigators from the ministry's integrity unit.
"I feel it is high time that the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) enter KLIA in full force to probe what is actually happening in this major entry point.
"I'm grateful that my presence there managed to uncover an embarrassing situation for the country, in which there is a culture of corruption among a number of officers as well as chronic abuse of power at the country's major gateway.
"At first, I did not want to expose this as I wanted to use more practical platforms. But because this has gone viral and the media has contacted me, here is my explanation," he said.
Tiong reiterated that he did not go there to free the tourist.
"I have no power to do that and would only be damaging my reputation by doing so. I am still sound of mind and know my limits as the Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister.
"What use would I have as a minister if I did not focus on national interests, especially as it involves something that can affect the country's image and scare away foreign tourists?
"if we're not serious about this issue now, it would never be resolved. Is there a handful of officers who are afraid of this blowing up and affecting their personal interests?"
Tiong also accused the Immigration Department of leaking the photo of him at the airport. He also took issue with claims that he had "encroached" into the area, as he had a valid pass.
He said the Malaysian Communication and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) should probe the distribution of the photo and false information.
"We don't know their intention but they may have been worried that their "rice bowl" may be affected. They could also be trying to protect their friends by leaking information, making baseless accusations and spreading false reports.
Tiong said some foreign tourists also had their mobile phones confiscated and no explanation given on their detention.
"I also received information that some officers simply interpret the laws as they like when on the ground. The woman in question, for example, was not given sufficient food during detention, which is against the law.
"I was told that this woman was only fed once in her 15-hour detention stint," he said.
Tiong said he also learnt that some immigration officers would demand up to RM3,000 to free tourists from detention and send them back.
"They would demand RM3,000 to enable the tourists to go through a 'special lane' and RM12,000 for visa processing costs," he said.
The minister said he would be submitting this information to MACC.
He said he would propose in cabinet the abolishment of agents who handle of tourists with NTL (Not To Land) status, as it has become a chronic problem and affecting Malaysia's global image.
"We should eliminate the role of third parties in managing the departure of immigration detainees. I suggest that this role be played by airline companies themselves.
"I also call on the people to verify all news first before sharing them. I'm certain that we can eliminate all leakages if we work together.
"The ministry and I stand with the prime minister in battling corruption, regardless of whatever obstacles may come."