A Singaporean couple allegedly received a six-month ban from entering Malaysia after raising objections to the way an immigration officer stamped their passports. Abdul Qayyuum Rahim detailed this strenuous ordeal in a Facebook post.
Mr. Rahim recounted the unpleasant experience he and his wife underwent while entering Johor Bahru, Malaysia, through the Tuas Checkpoint. They had to endure about an hour-long wait at customs, leading to an understandably sour mood. The situation was further worsened when an immigration officer allegedly demanded in an impolite tone that they remove their passport covers before stamping.
What they found absolutely unacceptable was that the officer had left a blank page on his passport, and on his wife’s passport, the stamp was scratched off with a pen post-stamping. They expressed their dissatisfaction and attempted to lodge a complaint against the officer responsible. However, they were met with indifference and mockery from another officer.
Eventually, they were escorted to an office on the second level, where a female officer of Assistant Superintendent rank allegedly issued them a “Notice of Refusal Of Entry,” declaring them as “prohibited immigrants” and banning them from entering West Malaysia for the next six months.
The incident sparked widespread attention on social media. However, public opinion on Mr. Rahim’s experience is divided. Some questioned the necessity to take issue with the stamping procedure, stating that being granted entry into a country should be enough. Others shared similar experiences but expressed their lack of received sympathy.
Moreover, a comment from a purported eyewitness added more complexity to the incident. This witness claimed to be at the same place at the same time and observed the couple’s argument with the female officer. She stated that the couple seemed to be provoking the officer, leading to her raising her voice to quell them.
As of now, there has been no official response regarding the incident.