PETALING JAYA, May 8 — The Immigration Department refuted claims Korean-American band Royal Pirates were denied entry into an aircraft at KL International Airport last Saturday.
Clarifying reports an immigration officer on duty had denied the band entry after they refused to take a group photo with the officer, KLIA Immigration department director Datuk Mohd Zulfikar Ahmad said “it was a small matter which had been blown out of proportion”.
“They (the band members along with their manager) had approached the Immigration counter, and our officer on duty asked them if they were willing to take a group photo with her but they denied her request,” he said.
“The officer then guided them to the counter for foreigners as the group had mistakenly lined up at the counter meant for Malaysians and they boarded their plane later.
“This is a small issue which was blown out of proportion. We have called up the officer and she had explained the matter to us.”
Mohd Zulfikar also said the group had violated immigration laws as they had entered the country on social visit passes and did not get clearance from the Immigration Department to perform in the country.
“An international act must have proper permit which is approved by the Tourism Ministry and the Immigration Department if they are performing here but our checks reveal otherwise,” he said.
“However since they had left the country, we will not pursue the matter.”
The band had performed in Kota Kinabalu and Kuala Lumpur on May 1 and 3.
