KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah Immigration Department has denied claims that Sarawak Land Development Minister Tan Sri Dr James Masing was detained at the Kota Kinabalu International Airport (KKIA).
Its director, Noor Alam Khan Abdul Wahid Khan, pointed out that the officer on duty at the KKIA immigration counter had only conducted a regular identification screening procedure when he asked Masing to present his identification card to verify his use of the Special Identification document on March 30 at about 6pm.
“It was simply a misunderstanding as the immigration officer on duty was just conducting a documentation screening as he would other passengers’ identification cards and passports.
“Although the minister did present his ‘Pengenalan Istimewa’ (Special Identification) document, it was not immediately explanatory and not all of our officers are used to seeing such documents.
“Hence, our officer had asked him (Masing) to present his identification card,” said Noor Alam when contacted here yesterday.
Noor Alam disclosed that the officer on duty during the incident had been contacted and had clarified the situation at that point of time, whereby Masing had presented his Special Identification document to the immigration officer.
Masing was then asked to present his identification card to verify his identity, which is part of the normal procedure, he added.
He said Masing was not detained as he was not brought into a special room at the airport. The incident took place at the immigration counter when Masing was exiting the state and not on entry, as previously reported in the media.
Masing on March 31 was reported as saying that he was detained by Sabah Immigration Officers on March 30 for being mistaken as an imposter.
He had shown his Special Identification document, a special pass used by political representatives and ministers at the counter but was reportedly not allowed in, in the mistaken belief that he was using a fake pass.
The confusion apparently was due to his attire, as Masing was in jeans and tee-shirt.
Masing was quoted as saying that he had a tough time convincing the officers that he was genuine despite his clothing.
“I was detained probably because I was wearing jeans. I did not realise that YBs and ministers must use smart attire in Sabah.
“It was embarrassing. I have to prove that I am James Masing as shown in the identity card,” said Masing.