PAPAR: The Federation of Chinese Associations Malaysia (Huazong) urged the government to conduct thorough investigation into alleged mistreatment of Chinese visitors by certain immigration officers at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), recently.
Huazong President Tan Sri T.C Goh expressed support for Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing for his swift intervention in the said incident.
Expressing both shock and regret, he also concurred with Tiong for describing the incident as “a tip of the iceberg”
He also proposed the government do the following:
1.Take stern action against the immigration officers stationed at the international airports and checkpoints, who abused their powers.
This is in order to better safeguard Malaysia’s image, so foreign tourists including Chinese tourists will not shy away from Malaysia.
2.To identify the “middleman” who was working “hand-in-glove” with a certain rogue immigration officer.
Goh, who is also President of The Federation of Chinese Associations Sabah (FCAS), urged this while speaking at the launch of the torch relay for the 38th National Chinese Cultural Festival (NCCF), at Kong Hock Temple, here, last Saturday.
He was responding to the KLIA incident which has caused a stir nationwide, especially in the tourism sector.
Also present at the occasion were, Goh’s wife Puan Sri Joanne Ho, Deputy Agriculture and Food Security Minister cum Kota Kinabalu MP Chan Foong Hin, who was also the guest-of-honour for the event, FCAS Deputy President Datuk Susan Wong, cum Organising Chairman for the 38th NCCF, FCAS Vice President Kapitan Fung Chun Fatt, Tan Chuan Wah President of Papar Hokkien Association, his deputy Sudan Ng and President of Papar Chinese Chamber of Commerce, Cheoh High Weal, among others.
Goh said he noted that Tiong had explained to the media that he had to step in to help an employee of a China-based media company after Immigration officers held her up at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) on her arrival from Shenzhen on Thursday.
Tiong also claimed that during his intervention, he had learnt that a certain individual who acted as the ‘middleman’ for the immigration officers had demanded for an amount of RM18,000 in order to release the said Chinese media employee.
Upon receiving a distress call, Tiong immediately rushed to the KLIA to intervene.
Goh said it was outrageous and unacceptable for the immigration officers involved to detain the said female Chinese national at KLIA detention room for more than 15 hours and her mobile phone confiscated.
“She was only served one meal during her detention. Furthermore, after investigating the matter, the Minister concerned personally made it clear that she didn’t violate any immigration rules, as her travel documents were in order,” he said.
Commending Tiong for his prompt intervention in the incident, Goh reiterated that the government must thoroughly investigate the matter to weed out rogue immigration officers involved.
“This is crucial, otherwise it would seriously affect the image of our government, KLIA, tourism sector and adversely impact our economic recovery post-pandemic!” he said.
Meanwhile, Chan in his speech praised Huazong, FCAS and their associates for the sheer dedication in promoting Chinese culture and tradition through organising of the 38th NCCF torch relay Statewide.
