Spy claims: TCO is 'travel control officer', IGP clarifies

Summary

• IGP Razarudin Husain says TCO stands for ‘travel control officer’, a special branch police officer on duty at the country's entry and exit points.

• He says Terengganu Menteri Besar Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar's use of the term to claim strict monitoring by the authorities is inaccurate.

Inspector-General of Police Razarudin Husain today said the TCO mentioned by Terengganu Menteri Besar Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar actually refers to a "travel control officer".

The TCO is a special branch police officer who is on duty at the country's entry and exit points, Razarudin told Berita Harian.

Therefore, Samsuri's use of the term to claim that he was subject to strict monitoring by the authorities was also inaccurate, Razarudin (above) added.

"Perhaps what Samsuri meant was the Special Circular List but his name is not on the list because he is not a criminal or suspect.

"Actually, the names in the list are suspects in certain cases including crimes, narcotics or individuals involved in 3R (race, religion, royalty) cases who fled the country who need to be arrested if they enter this country," he said.

He also denied that Samsuri's phone was tapped as the Kemaman MP had claimed.

Flagged

Yesterday, Samsuri claimed that he was flagged under the “Travel Control Office/Order” - a domestic security designation for individuals purportedly deemed a “risk” or “threat”.

He said this gave the impression he is a dangerous criminal, linked to syndicates and gangsters, or someone regarded as a persona non grata in his own country.

He said the label restricted his travel outside the peninsula, even to Sabah and Sarawak, with border authorities needing additional clearance before releasing him.

He also alleged that the restrictions have been in place since the last quarter of 2024.

According to Razarudin, TCOs work closely with immigration and customs officers to conduct intelligence operations and to arrest suspects on the list.

"Actually, we know Samsuri's movements because police officers are always with him at all times to ensure his safety.

"It's possible that when the TCO asked him where he was going when he went through the VIP route to leave the country, he felt uncomfortable," Razarudin added.

Samsuri had also alleged that he was being followed.

Earlier, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim dismissed Samsuri's claims, saying that all high-ranking officials in the country, including himself, are under surveillance.

Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail had also clarified that as the head of the state government, Samsuri is accorded a security detail at all times and additional surveillance would not be necessary.

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