He told a press conference in Parliament that the man is not employed by Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB), and instead, is an employee of AeroDarat Services Sdn Bhd.

According to Loke, AeroDarat is a company engaged as ground handlers for Malaysia Aviation Group, which is the parent company of Malaysia Airlines.

He said airlines are tasked with returning travellers who have been served NTL notices back to their last embarkation point, which is the standard procedure in all international airports.

“The staff said he was provoked by the passenger. We understand that travellers can be rude sometimes, but whatever it is, we cannot defend the staff’s action,” Loke added.

“He is serving as a staff at one of our airports, (so) he has to act professionally at all times. He has been issued a show cause letter and has been suspended pending the ongoing investigation.”

Earlier today, Malaysiakini reported that an official was seen punching a foreigner’s face at the NTL holding lounge at KLIA.

It included a three-second video of the incident which is believed to have taken place on Nov 11.

The immigration department can issue NTLs to travellers if they have a criminal record or fail to show vital documents such as visas, return tickets, proof of lodging, or financial means to support themselves during their stay.