HOW Malaysia handles Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Tiong King Sing’s recent ruckus at KLIA will determine if tourist arrivals from China drop or continue to grow, Tiong’s peer in Sarawak, Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister Abdul Karim Hamzah said.

“The whole tourism world is watching. Not only in China but also from other countries.

“If we act positively, I believe tourists who intend to come to Malaysia will appreciate that there should not be any more problems in future.

“if no actions is taken despite there being some truth that tourists are getting bullied and money being asked of them to get in, then it might have an adverse effect on tourism,” Karim said in his reaction to allegations that Tiong had barged into the KLIA to assist a Chinese national who had been denied entry into the country.

Tiong last Friday admitted to confronting KLIA immigration officers over a Chinese national.

He later alleged corruption involving immigration officers at the main gateway into the country and claimed his visit to the airport had exposed a “culture of corruption by a few officials, and the chronic abuse of power”.

He alleged that immigration officers were demanding as much as RM3,000 to release travellers they had detained and an additional RM3,000 if they wanted to return to their home country immediately.

Karim told reporters at his office today that he is following the case with keen interest.

“I would like to know the outcome of the investigations on the allegation that the minister had gone outside his authority by barging into a security area and also the allegation of abuse of power from said minister.”

Karim said if Tiong had committed a wrong, then action should be taken and he should be reprimanded.

He said if there is any truth to Tiong’s claims of abuse of power and corruption, then the relevant authorities should conduct a full scale investigation.

“There has to be an investigation if there is something based on truth. The MACC and the police should do their part and stop this nonsense at KLIA and any points of entry, including in Sabah and Sarawak,” he added.

Karim said it was undeniable “there are a few bad apples all over the place”.

“Nab them.”

He said these people don’t deserve to be in the civil service.

“We need to have a clean government.” –  July 5, 2023.