Police refer Shuhaily investigation to AGC tomorrow

KUALA LUMPUR, 6 OCTOBER 2026 —

Malaysia’s Border Control Chief Shuhaily Faces Legal Referral Over Alleged Assault on Police at KLIA

The referral marks a critical escalation in the controversy surrounding Shuhaily, who was appointed as AKPS chief in July 2025, just months before the incident. Police National Chief Mohd Khalid Ismail confirmed today that the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) at Bukit Aman is probing the former Criminal Investigation Department (JSJ) director under Section 323 of the Penal Code, which criminalizes voluntarily causing hurt to another person.

The case stems from a complaint filed by two police officers who allege Shuhaily attacked them on September 28, 2026, at KLIA.

The decision to send the case to the AGC—mandated under Article 145(3) of the Federal Constitution—follows the completion of preliminary investigations, including statements from 25 witnesses, comprising police officers, AKPS staff, Malaysian Airports Holdings Berhad (MAHB) security personnel, baggage handling workers, medical officers, and independent witnesses.

The referral process, scheduled for October 6, 2026, will determine whether charges are filed against Shuhaily, who could face up to one year in prison, a fine of up to RM2,000, or both if convicted under Section 323.

Shuhaily, who assumed leadership of AKPS—a critical agency overseeing border security and immigration enforcement—had previously stated in a press conference after a viral video of the alleged incident surfaced that he had voluntarily submitted to the authorities’ investigation and would accept any government decision. His two-year tenure as AKPS chief, set to conclude on June 30, 2027, now hangs in the balance as the legal process unfolds.

The case has drawn attention due to Shuhaily’s high-profile background, including his prior role as JSJ director, a position that placed him at the helm of Malaysia’s criminal investigations. His appointment to AKPS in July 2025 followed a period of leadership transition in the agency, which plays a pivotal role in national security by regulating cross-border movements, combating smuggling, and enforcing immigration laws.

The alleged assault, if proven, could have broader implications for public trust in law enforcement agencies, particularly given the involvement of airport security personnel—a sector increasingly scrutinized for its role in maintaining order at Malaysia’s busiest aviation hub.

Market and sector reactions remain muted, as the case primarily involves a criminal referral rather than a direct financial or operational impact on AKPS or related industries. However, the controversy may indirectly affect investor sentiment in security-related sectors, particularly if the incident leads to heightened scrutiny of workplace conduct within government agencies.

MAHB, which operates KLIA, has not issued a public statement on the matter, though its security personnel were among the witnesses interviewed by police.

The next critical step in the legal process will be the AGC’s review of the police investigation, which could result in formal charges being filed against Shuhaily. If charges proceed, the case will likely be heard in a magistrate’s court, where prosecutors would need to establish that the alleged assault caused harm to the two officers.

Shuhaily’s legal team, if engaged, would have the opportunity to challenge the evidence presented by police witnesses, including the 25 individuals whose statements were recorded during the investigation.

The timeline for a resolution remains uncertain, but the referral to the AGC represents a formal acknowledgment by police that sufficient evidence exists to warrant further legal action. The outcome of this case could set a precedent for how workplace disputes involving high-ranking officials are handled under Malaysian criminal law, particularly in sensitive sectors such as border security and aviation enforcement.