Mohd Shuhaily denies claims in viral KLIA video, rejects attempts to tarnish his image and AKPK standing

KUALA LUMPUR, 5 OCTOBER 2026 —

The Director-General of the Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency (AKPS), Datuk Seri Mohd Shuhaily Mohd Zain, has publicly addressed the viral video showing him interacting with two individuals at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), stating that he is prepared to accept any decision regarding the incident. Speaking at a press conference on Thursday, Mohd Shuhaily acknowledged his own imperfections, telling reporters, "I have said many times that I am not perfect.

The incident in question occurred on 28 September, when Mohd Shuhaily and his team were stationed at KLIA to respond to complaints regarding a foreign national 'ulat' syndicate and several attempts to smuggle drugs out of the country. According to Mohd Shuhaily, he decided to conduct an enforcement operation that day, specifically on the fifth floor of the airport.

He noted that the complaints they had received appeared to be accurate, as the activity was happening directly before their eyes. The operation involved the detention of a member of the foreign syndicate, who was then taken to a baggage inspection room managed by the Aviation Security (AVSEC) team.

Mohd Shuhaily clarified that the initial enforcement action involved only his team and the AVSEC personnel. However, during the interrogation process, two unidentified individuals entered the room and began recording the proceedings without permission. The director-general stated that these two individuals were subsequently brought to his team and ordered to delete the footage.

He emphasized that his reaction, as seen in the video, was a firm reprimand and a stern warning, consistent with his duties as a police officer issuing directives. "As seen in the video, I reprimanded them firmly and gave a stern warning, in line with my duty as a police officer issuing orders," he said.

When questioned by the media about whether there was any physical contact or struggle between him and the individuals involved, Mohd Shuhaily declined to speculate, stating that he would leave that matter to the authorities conducting the investigation. He also did not disclose the identities of the two individuals, although two police reports allegedly filed by the two officers involved have circulated on social media.

Mohd Shuhaily confirmed that he is aware of the police reports filed regarding the incident, acknowledging the formal complaints made against him.

Regarding the dissemination of the footage, Mohd Shuhaily explained that the video currently circulating on social media is believed to be a secondary recording of the original video, rather than a live broadcast. He did not rule out the possibility that the spread of the video is linked to efforts to damage his personal image and the reputation of AKPS.

In response to this, he stated that his team has filed a police report concerning the matter. The director-general’s comments suggest a belief that the viral nature of the clip may be part of a broader campaign to undermine the agency’s credibility.

Mohd Shuhaily further stated that he has informed the highest levels of government leadership about the incident and the surrounding controversy. He expressed his readiness to accept any decision that may be made regarding his position or the outcome of the investigation.

In a poignant statement, he said, "If the price for change is myself, then I will pay it." This declaration underscores the gravity of the situation and the potential consequences for his tenure as the head of the border control agency.

The incident has drawn attention to the operational challenges faced by AKPS in combating cross-border crime, including drug smuggling and illegal immigration. The presence of the 'ulat' syndicate, a term often used to describe foreign nationals involved in petty crimes or smuggling, highlights the persistent security threats at Malaysia’s main international gateway.

Mohd Shuhaily’s decision to conduct the operation on the fifth floor of KLIA was a direct response to specific complaints, indicating a targeted approach to addressing these issues. The involvement of AVSEC in the process further illustrates the collaborative nature of security operations at the airport.

The viral video has sparked widespread discussion on social media, with various opinions emerging regarding the conduct of the officers and the handling of the situation. The two police reports filed by the officers involved suggest that they may have felt their actions were unjustified or that they were subjected to undue pressure.

The fact that the video is a secondary recording raises questions about the authenticity and context of the footage, as well as the potential for manipulation or selective editing. Mohd Shuhaily’s assertion that the spread of the video may be linked to efforts to damage his image adds another layer of complexity to the narrative.

The reaction from the government and the public has been mixed, with some supporting Mohd Shuhaily’s transparency and willingness to face the consequences, while others have called for a thorough and impartial investigation. The incident has also raised broader questions about the accountability of law enforcement officers and the need for clear guidelines on the use of force and the handling of media interactions.

The potential impact on the reputation of AKPS is a significant concern, as the agency plays a crucial role in maintaining border security and public safety.

As the investigation continues, the focus will likely shift to the findings of the authorities and the subsequent decisions made by the government. Mohd Shuhaily’s statement that he is prepared to accept any decision suggests that he is taking the matter seriously and is willing to be held accountable for his actions.

The incident serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by law enforcement agencies in balancing operational effectiveness with public scrutiny and media attention. The outcome of this case could have far-reaching implications for the future of border security in Malaysia and the relationship between law enforcement and the public.

The story of Mohd Shuhaily’s response to the viral video highlights the increasing importance of transparency and accountability in public service. In an era where social media can amplify any incident, the actions of public officials are under constant scrutiny. Mohd Shuhaily’s decision to address the issue directly and acknowledge his imperfections may be seen as a positive step towards rebuilding trust and credibility.

However, the final judgment will rest with the authorities and the public, who will ultimately decide whether his actions were justified and whether he should continue in his role as the head of AKPS. The incident remains a significant event in the ongoing discourse on law enforcement and public accountability in Malaysia.