Malaysia’s border control and protection agency has recently denied entry to 123 Bangladeshi nationals among 198 foreigners at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), citing a lack of proper documentation and insufficient travel funds.
According to a report by Malaysia’s state news agency Bernama, the individuals failed to meet several essential immigration requirements. Authorities found that many lacked necessary documents, including hotel bookings and proof of sufficient funds, while others were unable to clearly articulate their travel intentions.
Shuhaily Mohd Zain, director-general of the Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency, confirmed the detentions, stating that the individuals did not fulfill basic criteria needed for entry, such as adequate financial support and proper travel documentation.
He added that some individuals also provided vague or unsubstantiated reasons for their visit.
Airport authorities said the majority of the passengers were intercepted at KLIA’s Terminal 1, where 128 individuals were stopped, including 123 Bangladeshis, two Pakistanis, two Indonesians, and one Syrian national.
Another 70 passengers, including 51 Indonesians, 13 Indians, four Pakistanis, and two Vietnamese nationals, were detained at Terminal 2.
In a concerning development, Shuhaily revealed that several detainees were found with photos of Malaysian immigration officers on their mobile phones. Authorities are now investigating the possibility of a larger security breach or connections to trafficking syndicates.
This incident follows a similar case on July 11, when 96 Bangladeshis were also deported from KLIA after attempting to enter Malaysia on tourist visas without meeting the necessary immigration criteria.