The Immigration Department has disputed US singer Maggie Lindemann's statement that she was detained for five days.
In a statement today, Immigration director-general Khairul Dzaimee Daud said Lindemann and four others were arrested at an entertainment outlet in Kuala Lumpur on 9.30pm in June 21, and released at 7pm the following day.
Khairul Dzaimee said they were arrested for performing without the permission of the Central Agency for Application for Filming and Performance by Foreign Artistes (Puspal).
"However, some of their items were held as evidence to complete investigations," he added.
Read more: US singer: I was detained in 'living hell' for five days
Lindemann and two other US citizens were then charged in court on June 25, and fined RM300 each for violating their social visit passes.
The subsequent day saw the purported organiser of the event being fined RM30,000 for violating the Immigration Act 1959/63.
The event venue, The Bee, had disputed this claim, and said that it was the permit agent that was found guilty and fined RM30,000.
Lindemann had tweeted that she was detained in a "living hell" for five days, and that her Asian tour was cut short due to her detention in Malaysia.
Khairul said that although Malaysia welcomed visitors, they must have their papers in order in order to conduct business in the country.
