POLICE yesterday arrested Syrian national Hassan al Kontar at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport 2 (klia2) where he had been living since March to avoid deportation to his war-torn country.

The arrest was confirmed today by Immigration director-general Mustafar Ali, who said police would hand Hassan over once they finished questioning him.

“Police had to take action. He was found in a forbidden zone within the airport and did not have the right documents to enter and stay in Malaysia,” Mustafar said in Putrajaya today.

He said the Immigration Department will work with the Syrian embassy on Hassan’s deportation back to Syria.

Hassan has been living at the klia2 terminal, sleeping on chairs and taking baths at the airport toilets.

AirAsia has reportedly been caring for him with some meals.

His stay began after he was sent back to Malaysia from Cambodia, which denied him entry for not having the right documents.

Hassan has refused to return to Syria where he fears being enlisted in the army.

As war erupted in Syria in 2010, he lived illegally in the United Arab Emirates, before embarking on failed attempts to enter Ecuador and then Cambodia.

The 37-year old has documented his life at the klia2 terminal on his Facebook page, which has more than 10,000 followers.

His story, which has attracted many for its similarities to the Tom Hanks movie The Terminal, has also been widely featured in various media.

Hassan said he had tried to obtain help from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees for passage to Canada but was unsuccessful. – October 2, 2018.