A group of foreign nationals has sparked online outrage after recording and posting videos criticising Malaysia while being held at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) due to strict immigration checks. The incident has since gone viral, drawing sharp reactions from Malaysians and reigniting debate over abuse of tourist visas.
In the circulating clips, visibly frustrated individuals accused Malaysian authorities of treating them like prisoners.
One video caption even read, “Don’t come to Malaysia or you’ll be thrown into a detention centre. Malaysia is a bad country.”
Netizens React: “Too Many Are Coming to Work Illegally”
The videos quickly drew attention online, with many Malaysians expressing shock at the number of foreigners attempting to enter the country at once. Some voiced concern over what they believe is a growing trend of foreigners entering Malaysia under the guise of tourism, only to remain illegally for work.
“Now I see why Malaysia is so crowded — so many are trying to enter at once,” one user, Nurul Fakri, commented.
Another netizen, Kalsom, said, “Many of them come in with tourist visas and end up opening shops here. They don’t even plan to leave.”
Nur Suhada added, “They’re not tourists. They’re workers in disguise. The government should do more surprise checks.”
The backlash appears to reflect growing public frustration over what is perceived as lax enforcement and misuse of short-term visitor passes.
131 Foreigners Stopped for Inadequate Funds
According to earlier reports, Malaysian authorities launched a special enforcement operation at KLIA Terminal 1 last Friday. From 3pm to 10pm, officers from the Malaysian Border Control Agency (MCBA) screened arrivals at the international hall and departure gates C1 to C37.
During the operation, 131 foreign individuals were denied entry. Authorities said many of them claimed they were visiting Malaysia for a month — yet only carried around RM500 (approximately S$143) in cash. Due to their insufficient funds, immigration officers refused them entry and arranged for deportation.
Immigration Tightening as Visa Abuse Concerns Grow
While authorities have not revealed the nationalities of those involved, the operation highlights Malaysia’s growing concern about visa fraud and illegal work activity among foreign arrivals.
Immigration officials reminded all visitors that they must demonstrate sufficient financial resources, provide clear travel plans, and declare genuine purposes for entering the country. Those suspected of abusing tourist visas or seeking illegal employment will be barred or prosecuted.
As KLIA continues to serve as a major gateway into Southeast Asia, this incident may trigger even stricter screening protocols for incoming travellers — especially for those entering with minimal funds and vague itineraries.