Australian jockey barred from leaving Malaysia after 2 passports found

PETALING JAYA — A globetrotting Australian jockey was barred from leaving Malaysia after he was found using a passport that was not his to board a flight at Kuala Lumpur International Airport 2 recently.

The 41-year-old remains in immigration custody pending a decision by investigators.

Sepang police chief Assistant Commissioner Aziz Ali confirmed the incident and acknowledged reports had been lodged.

“We have viewed the CCTV footage and based on our investigations, concluded the case be referred to immigration authorities for their perusal as the passenger was found with two Australian passports.

“There are also aviation regulations which need to be adhered to regarding intoxicated passengers boarding a flight,” Mr Aziz said.

The jockey, who has been riding in the region for the past 10 years, was taken into custody following the Aug 18 incident.

He hails from Melbourne and has ridden more than 240 winners in races in Malaysia and Singapore, and was also much sought after by horse owners in Hong Kong and Mauritius.

“Consular assistance is being provided to an Australian man in Kuala Lumpur, in accordance with the Consular Services Charter,” a diplomat with the Australia High Commission said in response to Malay Mail queries.

“Due to privacy obligations, we are unable to provide further information,” the diplomat said.

Preliminary investigations revealed the jockey turned up at the airport and purchased a ticket over the counter.

He checked in, collected his boarding pass, and went through airport security and immigration checks without incident.

At the departure gate, he waited in the queue to board the aircraft.

One of two AirAsia security personnel on duty noticed that the jockey was using a passport that was not his to board the flight when he handed the boarding pass and passport to him.

Security personnel found the picture affixed to the passport differed from the jockey.

He reportedly tried to talk his way out of the confusion, but the jockey’s explanation was ignored.

The situation got heated and the diminutive 52kg jockey sustained injuries when he got into an altercation with several security guards.

Security personnel restrained the jockey and prevented him from boarding the flight as he was intoxicated, disruptive and had committed a security breach over passports.

They lodged a report over the incident and seized two passports found in the jockey’s possession.

A spokesman for AirAsiaX confirmed the incident saying investigations were ongoing.

“We have handed the matter to police for further investigation, and are cooperating with them.”

The day after the incident, the AirAsia security personnel were interviewed by police. THE MALAY MAIL ONLINE