THE Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) is looking for the agent who is alleged to have solicited bribes from a Chinese tourist stuck at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA).   

Sources said the individual allegedly acted as a middleman to facilitate entries of foreign tourists who violated conditions set by the Malaysian Immigration Department.

The situation at KLIA eventually led to an incident last week involving Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Tiong King Sing.

“We are actively tracking the individual who is the agent. The agent is said to have asked for a bribe of RM18,000 to solve the case,” sources told The Malaysian Insight.

According to one of them, three statements – including one from Tiong – have been recorded.

“Several immigration officers involved will be called to testify regarding this matter today.

“MACC takes the issue of corruption seriously on the incident involving a Chinese national at KLIA recently. 

“A comprehensive investigation is underway to confirm this matter,” he said.

MACC chief Azam Baki confirmed that the case is being investigated under Section 16(a) of the MACC Act. 

Tiong created a stir last week when he purportedly barged into the KLIA Terminal 1 Arrival area to “rescue” a Chinese national who was detained upon entering the country.

He said certain corrupt Immigration officials had prevented tourists with valid documents from entering Malaysia at the airport and demanded money in exchange for their release. 

Following Tiong’s allegation, MACC said it would investigate the matter.

Meanwhile, tour associations backed Tiong’s words, saying they too had received many complaints from inbound travellers.

MACC Chief Commissioner Azam Baki confirmed the case was being investigated under section 16(a) of the MACC Act 2009.

He urged all parties not to speculate and to give MACC time to complete the investigation. – July 4, 2023.