The Syrian national Hassan Al-Kontar (above) who was arrested after staying in the Kuala Lumpur International Airport 2 (KLIA2) terminal for over seven months has been remanded for 14 days, according to a news report.

The report by the Malay Mail quoted KLIA district police chief Assistant Commissioner Zulkifli Adamshah confirming this.

“Investigations into the Syrian are being conducted under Section 6(1)(a) of the Immigration Act 1959/63 for not possessing a valid pass that lawfully allows him entry into Malaysia,” he was quoted as saying.

The provision allows for punishments of up to RM10,000 fine, or up to five year’s imprisonment, or both, upon conviction, as well as whipping of not more than six strokes.

Yesterday, Bernama reported that Hassan had been arrested by police at the KLIA2 that day after supposedly been living at its domestic transit lounge since March 7.

Immigration director-general Mustafar Ali was quoted saying that Hassan had attempted to enter Cambodia after the visit pass issued by Malaysia expired, but was refused entry and returned to Malaysia.

He said Malaysia would be working with the Syrian embassy to depart Hassan back to Syria.

Earlier reports said he had been on the run out of fear of being conscripted into the Syrian Army. During his stay at the airport, Hassan had taken to social media to highlight his plight.

A group of Canadian volunteers had reportedly filed a refugee sponsorship application to Canada on Hassan’s behalf on April 25 and also found him a job in the country, but the application would take 23 months to process with no guarantee of success.