KOTA KINABALU, SABAH, Malaysia August 1, 2025 – Border security officials in Malaysia thwarted another smuggling attempt at Kota Kinabalu International Airport (LTAKK), detaining a 21-year-old Filipino national who tried to exit Sabah using a passport with suspected fake endorsements.
The Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency (AKPS) announced the arrest on Thursday, following a routine inspection that uncovered irregularities in the suspect’s travel documents. The passport contained endorsements for a Social Visit Pass entry dated July 28 and an exit stamp dated July 30. However, authorities confirmed these markings were fraudulent, as no corresponding records existed in the Malaysian Immigration Department’s system.
The man was taken into custody on suspicion of deceiving officials regarding the true length of his stay in Malaysia. Investigators believe the forged stamps were intended to mask an overstay or unauthorized presence in the country.
Further probes revealed the suspect was in possession of two boarding passes: one for a flight to Kuala Lumpur and another to Manila in the Philippines. These documents are now under scrutiny to uncover the full modus operandi behind the scheme, including potential involvement of accomplices or forgery networks.
AKPS emphasized its zero-tolerance policy toward document fraud, vowing to intensify surveillance and checks at all national entry and exit points. “We view any attempt to falsify travel documents with utmost seriousness,” an agency spokesperson stated. “Such measures are essential to safeguard our nation’s security and sovereignty.”
This incident comes amid heightened border vigilance in Malaysia, particularly in Sabah, which shares porous frontiers with neighboring countries and has seen a rise in immigration-related offenses. Officials urged travelers to comply strictly with visa and entry regulations to avoid legal repercussions.
The suspect remains in detention pending further investigation, with charges likely under Malaysia’s immigration and forgery laws. No additional details on his identity were released to protect the ongoing inquiry.