Businessman linked to Sabah mining scandal denied entry to ‘meet friends’

THE Malaysian Immigration Department has defended its decision to deny entry to controversial businessman Albert Tei Jiann Cheing, the man at the centre of Sabah’s widening mining-licence scandal, after he told officers he was visiting the state merely to “meet friends.”

In a statement issued on Friday, Sabah Immigration Director Datuk Sh Sitti Saleha Habib Yussof said Tei was stopped at Kota Kinabalu International Airport (KKIA) on 23 October after his name appeared on an active Restriction Order Notice (NAS) issued under the authority of the state government.

“He told officers his purpose was to meet friends and did not provide any supporting documents or evidence for his visit,” Sitti Saleha said.

“Because the NAS allows entry only for court appearances, and he produced no summons, the officer issued a Notice of Refusal of Entry in accordance with the Immigration Act 1959/63,” she added.

She said Tei had previously been allowed into Sabah in September 2025 after showing court documents, proving that he was already aware of the procedures required under his restriction status.

“The claim by his lawyer that he was prevented from attending court proceedings is inaccurate and does not reflect the actual situation,” she added, stressing that the officer’s action was “based on standard operating procedures and not influenced by any party.”

The Immigration Department reminded all individuals subject to restriction orders to comply with entry conditions and submit complete documentation to avoid problems at entry points.

Tei, a businessman known for exposing and later being charged in connection with alleged bribe-for-licence deals involving Sabah Mineral Management Sdn Bhd, has become the most controversial figure in the state’s ongoing mining corruption saga.

He is facing two corruption charges under the MACC Act for allegedly offering bribes worth RM350,000 to two state assemblymen in exchange for facilitating mineral prospecting licences.

Tei has maintained that he is a whistle-blower who exposed corrupt practices within the sector and that powerful figures are using immigration restrictions to silence him.

The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission is still investigating the case, which has drawn in state agencies and politically connected business interests. - October 24, 2025