Bangladeshi men posing as cricketers nabbed at KLIA

 

The Bangladeshi men were arrested at KLIA yesterday after they failed to provide evidence that they were cricketers. (APKS pic)

PETALING JAYA: 

Fifteen Bangladeshi men who tried to enter the country by posing as members of a cricket team were detained at KLIA yesterday.

In a statement, the Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency (AKPS) said the group attempted to deceive the agency’s officers by wearing cricket jerseys and presenting a tournament invitation letter.

However, AKPS found the letter, which was allegedly issued by the Penang Cricket Association, was a fake copy.

It also found no evidence that the group were cricketers.

“We found that there was no such cricket tournament scheduled from March 21 to March 23,” said AKPS.

“In addition, the ‘guarantor’ who was present at the airport admitted to having no information about the cricket tournament, and he was only at the airport as a company representative.”

AKPS said strict action would be taken against those attempting to misuse sports visas to enter the country for other purposes.

The agency also said a decision was made for the immigration department to issue the group with “Not To Land” (NTL) notices.

The immigration department can issue NTLs to travellers if they have a criminal record or fail to show vital documents such as visas, return tickets, proof of lodging, or financial means to support themselves during their stay.

AKPS, which began operating on Feb 1, is expected to take over all operations at 114 national entry points next January.

AKPS is set to be the frontline control agency for border entry points and ports, responsible for integrated control and inspection duties at land, sea and air entry points. - FMT