The Foreign Ministry has denied claims that the embassy in Moscow failed to extend assistance to student M Murugan Pillai who was denied entry and held for five days at the airport there.



In a statement, the ministry said although the embassy was not officially notified, it had attempted contact with the medical student. 



However, it said embassy officials were denied access to the student until he was deported to Kuala Lumpur on Sept 7. 



“Embassy’s officials worked closely with the Russian authorities to ensure that the student’s rights were looked after and preserved.

 “In fact, meals were served three times a day while waiting for the next available flight to Malaysia,” it said. 



Astro Awani earlier reported that Murugan received no assistance from the embassy and was provided a meal once a day while detained by the immigration.



Murugan, who was returning to his studies there, was not given a reason as to why he was denied an entry visa.



This was confirmed by the Foreign Ministry, who nevertheless stressed that it is the country’s prerogative whether or not to allow foreign nationals into its country.