Immigration Dept launches probe after Singaporean woman claims seven-day detention over CIQ dispute
KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 9 — The Immigration Department of Malaysia has launched a special investigation into the case of a Singaporean woman who claimed she was detained for seven days following an altercation with an Immigration officer at the Sultan Iskandar Building (BSI) Customs, Immigration, and Quarantine (CIQ) Complex in Johor.
Accord to Sinar Harian, Immigration Director-General, Datuk Ruslin Jusoh, said that the investigation aims to identify the real cause of the incident, including any violations by the woman involved and whether the Immigration officer on duty at the entry point adhered to the prescribed procedures and regulations.
“We will examine all aspects to ensure the investigation provides justice for all parties.
“The Immigration Department also welcomes foreign visitors to Malaysia, and those entering the country must adhere to the regulations set by the government,” he was quoted as saying after a press conference on a document forgery syndicate at the Immigration Headquarters in Putrajaya today.
Ruslin added that, at this time, the Immigration Department cannot assign blame to any party and promised to resolve the case in the near future.
“I promise this matter will be resolved soon to provide a clear picture. I do not want this incident to cast a negative image on the country,” he was quoted as saying.
Last month, various news portals reported that a Singaporean woman, identified as Atalia Chua, 36, claimed to have entered Malaysia at 8:40am on August 7, but was detained by the Immigration Department following an altercation with an officer at the BSI CIQ Complex.
She also claimed that she was held for seven days before being released on August 13.