AKPS case investigation paper to be referred to AGC tomorrow, KPN says

KUALA LUMPUR INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (KLIA), 5 OCTOBER 2026 —

Kuala Lumpur, October 5, 2026 — The investigation papers concerning the alleged physical assault by the Director-General of the Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency (AKPS), Datuk Seri Mohd Shuhaily Mohd Zain, will be referred to the Attorney General’s Chambers (AGC) tomorrow, the Inspector-General of Police announced today.

The incident in question occurred on September 28 at Terminal 1 of the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA). According to the police chief, the case is being investigated by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of Bukit Aman under Section 323 of the Penal Code. This specific section of the law pertains to the offense of intentionally doing an act which causes hurt, disease, or infirmity to another person.

The legal framework applied here underscores the seriousness with which the police are treating the allegations of physical harm.

Mohd Khalid disclosed that the police had previously received two separate police reports from members of the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) regarding the incident. These reports alleged that the officers were physically abused during the event at the airport. The dual reporting mechanism highlights the formal nature of the complaints lodged by the affected personnel, initiating the official investigative process.

To date, the investigation has involved the recording of statements from 25 witnesses. The police chief detailed the diverse composition of these witnesses, which includes PDRM officers and personnel, AKPS officers, auxiliary police officers from Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad (MAHB), baggage handling system workers, medical officers, and independent witnesses. This broad range of testimonies suggests a comprehensive effort to reconstruct the events from multiple perspectives, ensuring that all relevant aspects of the incident are captured.

The investigation is being conducted by the Criminal Investigation Department of Bukit Aman, the central police headquarters in Malaysia. The involvement of this specialized department indicates that the case is being handled with a high degree of procedural rigor. The police have emphasized that the investigation is being carried out based on witness testimonies and evidence obtained, aiming to ensure a thorough examination of every aspect of the incident.

In a statement released today, Mohd Khalid assured the public that the PDRM guarantees the investigation is being conducted in a transparent, professional, and impartial manner. He stressed that the process is driven by the evidence and testimonies gathered, rather than external pressures or biases. This assurance is intended to maintain public confidence in the integrity of the police force and the judicial process.

The public has been advised not to make any speculation or draw conclusions that could potentially compromise the ongoing investigation and legal proceedings. The police chief warned that such actions could interfere with the integrity of the case, underscoring the importance of allowing the legal process to unfold without undue public influence or misinformation.

Prior to the police statement, a closed-circuit television (CCTV) recording of the incident went viral on social media. The footage depicted Datuk Seri Mohd Shuhaily Mohd Zain involved in the altercation at KLIA on September 28. The rapid spread of the video on digital platforms amplified public scrutiny and prompted immediate calls for accountability and a thorough investigation.

In response to the viral video, Mohd Shuhaily provided his own explanation of the events. He stated that the incident occurred while he was with a team conducting an operational readiness inspection at KLIA. This inspection was being carried out in preparation for the Formula 1 Bahrain Grand Prix 2026, a major international event that requires heightened security and operational preparedness at key national infrastructure sites.

Mohd Shuhaily further explained that the inspection was followed by enforcement operations against foreign nationals suspected of being involved in "ulat" activities. In the context of Malaysian law enforcement, "ulat" typically refers to individuals involved in illicit activities, often associated with drug trafficking or other criminal enterprises that exploit border and airport vulnerabilities.

This context suggests that the incident may have arisen during a legitimate law enforcement operation, although the allegations of physical abuse by the police officers remain the subject of the current investigation.

The Director-General of AKPS stated that he has left the matter to the government regarding any subsequent decisions arising from the incident. This statement indicates a deference to the official processes and the authority of the state in determining the outcome of the case. It also reflects the standard protocol for senior officials involved in legal matters, where personal involvement is minimized in favor of institutional procedures.

The case highlights the complex dynamics between senior government officials, law enforcement agencies, and public accountability in Malaysia. The involvement of the AGC in the referral process is a standard constitutional requirement for cases involving police officers or certain high-ranking officials, ensuring an independent review of the investigation's findings. The AGC will now examine the papers and provide advice on whether to proceed with prosecution or take other legal action.

The timing of the incident, coinciding with preparations for a major international sporting event, adds a layer of operational context to the case. The security protocols in place during such events are stringent, and any deviations or conflicts during these operations are closely scrutinized. The police have emphasized that their actions are based on evidence, and the referral to the AGC is a procedural step that ensures legal compliance and due process.

As the case moves to the AGC, the focus will shift to the legal analysis of the evidence gathered from the 25 witnesses. The outcome of this review will determine the next steps in the legal process, potentially leading to charges or a decision not to prosecute.

The public is urged to await the official findings from the AGC, as the legal process is designed to ensure that justice is served based on facts and law, rather than public opinion or speculation.

The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of transparency and accountability in law enforcement, particularly when senior officials are involved. The police have reiterated their commitment to a fair and impartial investigation, and the referral to the AGC is a testament to the procedural safeguards in place within the Malaysian legal system. The case will be closely watched by legal experts, media, and the public as it progresses through the judicial channels.

In the meantime, the police have maintained their stance that the investigation is ongoing and that all necessary steps are being taken to ensure a thorough and unbiased examination of the incident. The advice to the public to refrain from speculation is a standard measure to protect the integrity of the legal process and to prevent any potential interference with the investigation.

The case remains a significant development in the ongoing efforts to uphold the rule of law and ensure accountability within the Malaysian security apparatus.

Related: Attorney General’s Chambers (AGC) · Datuk Seri Mohd Shuhaily Mohd Zain · Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA)