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Malaysia has denied entry to 131 foreign nationals, including 96 Bangladeshis, arriving at Kuala Lumpur International Airport after they failed to meet "basic entry requirements", bdnews24.com reports citing Malaysian tabloid The Sun.
The operation took place between 3pm and 10pm on Friday, and involved the screening of 300 foreign nationals at the International Arrival Hall and Departure Gates, the report said.
The Border Control and Protection Agency (AKPS) found that 96 men from Bangladesh, 30 men from Pakistan, and four men and a woman from Indonesia had breached entry conditions.
Some had suspicious hotel bookings, others failed to report to Immigration counters, and a few did not show sufficient financial means to support their stay.
“For example, some individuals claimed they intended to stay in Malaysia for a month but were carrying only around RM500, raising serious doubts about the legitimacy of their visit," the AKPS said in a statement on Monday.
“This aligns with international immigration principles, which require visitors to demonstrate they will not become a burden to the host country.”
The airport branch of the AKPS reiterated that its top priority was the safety and sovereignty of Malaysia’s borders.
“Any attempts to enter the country using falsified documents or under suspicious pretences will be met with firm action and zero compromise.
“Therefore, all foreign visitors are advised to ensure that their travel documents, accommodation arrangements, and financial resources are complete, genuine, and reasonable before arriving in Malaysia.”