MALAYSIA – A Chinese national was taken into custody at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) on 13 August after allegedly attacking a Malaysian immigration officer during routine departure checks.
According to local reports, the incident occurred at approximately 7:40pm when the woman, accompanied by an adult man and two children, was stopped by authorities for lacking proper entry records into Malaysia. Frustrated by the stop, she reportedly began hurling verbal insults at the officer on duty.
The situation escalated when the woman allegedly grabbed the officer’s tudung and pushed her against a pillar near the counter. Witnesses said she ignored repeated instructions to calm down, forcing the airport security team to intervene. The woman was subsequently placed under police custody.
Officer Injured, Hospitalised
The immigration officer sustained injuries including swelling under her eye, a headache, and general body aches. She was immediately sent to Cyberjaya Hospital for treatment, according to Malaysian authorities. The incident has raised concerns about the safety of frontline airport personnel and prompted calls for stricter enforcement measures.
Authorities confirmed that the woman remains in custody while investigations continue. No details have been released regarding potential charges, though assault on a public officer can carry significant penalties under Malaysian law.
Airport security footage reportedly captured the full incident, and officials are reviewing the recordings as part of their investigation. The other passengers with the woman, including the two children, were unharmed and cooperated with authorities during the process.
This case serves as a reminder of the importance of following immigration protocols at international airports. Airport staff have been urging travellers to remain calm during checks and to comply with instructions to avoid confrontations that could result in legal consequences.
Malaysian authorities are expected to release further updates as the investigation progresses, and the case has already drawn attention on social media, highlighting tensions that can arise when travellers resist standard security and immigration procedures.