Qatar Airways assisting Syrian refugee stranded in KLIA: MAHB

Airport operator says Alassad Ahmad Aleoub flew to Malaysia on the airlines, which is to work with the Syrian embassy here on his case

Alassad Ahmad Aleoub stands in the departure area of KLIA uncertain over his future. He has been stranded in the airport last month after being issued a “Not to land” order. - Alassad Ahmad Aleoub pic, December 28, 2024

KUALA LUMPUR — Qatar Airways is looking after the welfare of a Syrian national stranded in Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) Terminal 1 who was issued a ‘Not To Land’ (NTL) order last month, Malaysian Airport Holdings Berhad (MAHB) said.

MAHB confirmed the case of 33-year-old Alassad Ahmad Aleoub who fled civil war in Syria and arrived at KLIA on Nov 29 and was given the NTL order by the Immigration Department.

The airport operator said Alassad’s situation is currently handled by Qatar Airways, which is the airline he used when flying to Malaysia. 

“We were informed by Qatar Airways that they are working with the relevant authorities, including the (Syrian) embassy on the matter. 

“In the meantime, they are ensuring his well-being by providing meals and the necessary support throughout his stay,” MAHB told Scoop in an email.

Yesterday, Scoop reported on the Alassad’s plight after being denied entry into Malaysia.

In 2013, Alassad left Syria for Turkiyye with his family to flee the civil war, but after nearly 12 years there, increasing tensions against foreigners in Turkiyye forced him to leave the country for Malaysia. 

After a month here, Alassad used a fake British passport to travel to Europe but was caught in Qatar and deported back to Malaysia. 

However, Alassad explained that because he did not have an exit stamp on his original Syrian passport, he could not enter Malaysia or leave to another country. 

While MAHB has said that the NTL was issued to Alassad on Nov 29, the Syrian told Scoop the date of his arrival and NTL after deportation from Qatar was Nov 7. – December 28, 2024