KOTA KINABALU: The Malaysian Immigration Department (JIM) has clarified that its officers acted according to standard procedures in denying entry to businessman Albert Tei at Kota Kinabalu International Airport (KKIA) on Thursday.
Sabah Immigration Director Datuk Sh Sitti Saleha Habib Yussof said Tei’s name remains on an active Entry Restriction Notice (NAS), which only allows entry for court proceedings.
She said Tei failed to produce any court summons or supporting documents during inspection, leading officers to issue a Notice of Refusal of Entry under the Immigration Act 1959/63.
Records show Tei was previously allowed entry in September after submitting proper court documentation, indicating he was aware of the required procedure.
Sitti Saleha refuted claims by Tei’s lawyer that his client was prevented from attending court, calling the allegation inaccurate.
She stressed that all actions taken were based on legal provisions and standard operating procedures, with no external influence.
The department urged individuals under entry restrictions to comply with entry conditions and present valid documents to avoid complications at immigration checkpoints.
