PUTRAJAYA, Nov 1 ― The detention of books, compact discs (CD) and digital video discs (DVD) containing the word “Allah” at Kuala Lumpur International Airport 2 (klia2) on Thursday was made due to suspicion, according to the Home Ministry today.

A ministry statement said the situation had aroused suspicion when the materials were taken down to the main terminal.

“Usually, for items on transit, the baggage will be transferred into the aircraft directly without the need to bring them into the main terminal.

“In this regard, a detention letter to review the consignment was issued to the carrier to ascertain if the publications were actually being brought to Sabah,” the statement said.

The ministry issued the statement to clarify a report on an English language website on Thursday regarding the detention of the Christian books, CDs and DVDs at klia2.

The statement also said that the detention of 574 books (133 titles), 419 CDs and five DVDs were made by Customs at klia2 through a detention notice dated October 25, 2014, at 3.17pm.

According to the statement, the seizure was made from a man, Maklin bin Masiau who arrived from Medan, Indonesia.

The seized books, CDs and DVDs were handed over to the ministry on Oct 27 and the letter of detention to review the consignment was dated Oct 27, 2014, it added.

The statement said a review found the publications seized at klia2 containing the word “Allah”.

“On Friday (October 31), the ministry checked the consignment with the bearer and it was explained that the materials were brought to the main terminal as the carrier needed to check-in the baggage and flight to Sabah.  

“Initially, the bearer said the materials were for his personal use but he later said they were for use in a church in Sabah,” it said. ― Bernama