‘If the price is me, I’ll pay it’: Border agency chief Shuhaily ready to face action over viral KLIA incident

PUTRAJAYA, Oct 1 — Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency (AKPS) director-general Datuk Seri Mohd Shuhaily Mohd Zain has stated his willingness to face any government actions following a viral video from Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA). Shuhaily informed the highest government officials and the relevant ministry about the incident, indicating his acceptance of any decisions they may make.

He emphasized that changing something comes at a price and, if the price were himself, he would accept it. Shuhaily's comments come in response to footage circulating on social media showing a man resembling him forcefully holding another individual's head at KLIA. A claim has also emerged that Shuhaily was involved in manhandling a person at the airport.

The AKPS chief acknowledged that he is not perfect and is prepared to face any consequences arising from the situation. Shuhaily explained that the incident occurred during a limited enforcement operation on Level Five of KLIA, following complaints about foreign tout syndicate activities and an increase in drug and contraband discoveries at baggage screening areas.

During the operation, a foreign national was detained and taken to the baggage inspection room. Shuhaily claims that two unidentified individuals began filming while officers were interviewing the foreign national, and they were instructed to delete the footage. He stated that he issued a strong warning that the enforcement operation involved only AKPS officers and KLIA Aviation Security (AVSEC).