KUALA LUMPUR – Syrian refugee Alassad Ahmad Aleoub, who has been stranded at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), alleges that authorities have paid increased attention to him after his story appeared in the media.
Alassad, who claims to have been stuck at KLIA Terminal 1 since November 7 due to a ‘Not to Land’ (NTL) order, said police and Immigration Department officials expressed their dissatisfaction with his decision to speak to the press.
“They asked me how and why I contacted the media.
“They told me they were unhappy with my choice to discuss my situation publicly.
“I explained that I had no other option because I didn’t know what else to do.
“It was only after the story was published that I felt they began to pay attention to me,” he told Scoop.
The refugee also said airport staff had warned him that if his situation remained unresolved, he could be moved from Terminal 1 to KLIA’s Satellite Building, accessible only by aerotrain.
Alassad recounted that two foreign journalists approached him at the airport seeking an interview about his experience but that he declined, sensing they expected him to criticise Malaysia.
“Why would I want to do that? Apart from my current predicament, I have had positive experiences in Malaysia,” he said.
Having limited options, Alassad is now contemplating returning to Syria, despite earlier fears for his safety.
He had fled his home country to escape atrocities under former president Bashar al-Assad. While that regime has since fallen, current Syrian leader Abu Mohammad al-Julani has ties to groups such as Al-Qaeda and ISIS.
“I have posted criticisms about Julani on social media.
“I’ve spoken to a relative in Syria to assess whether it’s safe for me to return.
“If everything checks out, I don’t mind going back,” he said.
Given the bleak prospects of resolving his situation at KLIA soon, he has called for assistance from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and civil society organisations.
Alassad previously lived in Turkiyye for 12 years after fleeing Syria in 2013. However, rising tensions between Syrian refugees and Turkish nationals prompted him to travel to Malaysia earlier this year. After spending about a month here, he attempted to move to Europe for better opportunities but was intercepted in Qatar and deported to KLIA.
Due to the NTL order, Alassad is unable to enter Malaysia or travel to another country as he lacks proper documentation.
Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad (MAHB) confirmed the issuance of the NTL order, stating that Qatar Airways, the airline responsible for his travel, is handling his case.
Although Alassad claims to have been at KLIA since November 7, MAHB asserts that he was deported back to the airport on November 29.
Scoop has contacted the Immigration Department and Qatar Airways for further comments and is awaiting their response. – January 4, 2025
