Don’t jump to conclusions on Shuhaily case, says Saifuddin

By the Editorial Team · Tuesday, October 6, 2026

Malaysia’s Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail has called for public patience as authorities investigate an altercation involving the director-general of the Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency, Mohd Shuhaily Mohd Zain, at Kuala Lumpur International Airport. The outcome of this investigation will influence the agency’s oversight role in securing Malaysia’s borders, while separately, urgent attention is being directed towards rising drug abuse rates in several northeastern states.

Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, Malaysia’s Home Minister, has urged the public to withhold judgment in the ongoing investigation involving Comm Datuk Seri Mohd Shuhaily Mohd Zain, director-general of the Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency (AKPS). The case surfaced after a video and police reports of an alleged altercation between Mohd Shuhaily and two unidentified individuals at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) Terminal 1 circulated widely on social media.

Speaking at a handover ceremony for a National Anti-Drug Agency (AADK) rehabilitation centre in Karak on Tuesday, Saifuddin emphasized that police are actively investigating the incident, which includes recording statements and collecting evidence. The investigation file will eventually be submitted to the Attorney General’s Chambers for further action.

“Once the entire process is completed, only then will we inform the public,” Saifuddin said, stressing the need for patience and allowing the authorities to carry out their work without interference.

Established about two years ago, the AKPS is responsible for overseeing the integrity of Malaysia’s entry and exit points, including key locations such as KLIA. The agency plays a significant role in border control operations, tasked with ensuring these points remain free from corruption and misconduct.

In a separate issue, the minister also highlighted statistics surrounding drug abuse in Malaysia. As of June, a total of 130,307 drug addicts and abusers have been recorded nationwide. Notably, the northeastern states of Terengganu, Kelantan, Kedah, and Perlis have reported rates of drug abuse significantly higher than the national average.

The national ratio stands at 381 cases per 100,000 people, whereas Terengganu registered 735 cases, Kelantan 694, Kedah 669, and Perlis 646 per 100,000 individuals. Saifuddin pointed out that these figures demonstrate an urgent need for targeted intervention.

“The numbers are a clear signal,” Saifuddin said. He noted that amphetamine-type stimulants (ATS), a category of synthetic drugs, account for 84 percent of all cases, making them the most widely used substances in the country.

Given these trends, the Home Minister urged the AADK to ensure that its drug prevention and rehabilitation programs are guided by accurate data and tailored to meet the demands of the evolving drug landscape.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.