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ALBERT Tei, also known as Tei Jiann Cheing, was refused entry into Sabah at Kota Kinabalu International Airport on 23 October after failing to present a required court summons, Malaysian Immigration Department (JIM) officials confirmed.
Sabah Director of Immigration Datuk Sh Sitti Saleha Habib Yussof said that during routine document checks, Tei’s name appeared on an active Restriction Order Notice, which permits entry to Sabah only for court proceedings.
“Albert Tei stated that he intended to visit friends in Sabah, but did not provide any supporting documents, including a court summons,” she said.
Further checks revealed that Tei had previously been allowed entry in September 2025 after producing the necessary court documents, demonstrating his understanding of the required procedures. “As he could not present the court summons during inspection, the officers issued a Notice of Entry Denial in accordance with Section VII of the Immigration Act 1959/63,” she added.
Sh Sitti Saleha clarified that claims by Tei’s lawyer suggesting he was prevented from attending court were inaccurate and did not reflect the circumstances. “The officers acted according to the Standard Operating Procedure, guided solely by the law, submitted documents, and information provided at the checkpoint,” she said.
She also reminded individuals subject to Restriction Order Notices to fully comply with entry conditions and carry the necessary supporting documents to avoid complications. “The Malaysian Immigration Department remains committed to safeguarding national security, upholding professionalism, integrity, and compliance with the law in all services,” she said. - October 25, 2025