KUALA LUMPUR: The government will upgrade baggage and body scanners at all international entry points in phases to strengthen security screening, Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said.
In a written reply published on the Parliament website, he said the upgrades would introduce next-generation scanning technology integrated with artificial intelligence (AI) analytics.
He was responding to Rodiyah Sapiee (GPS-Batang Sadong), who asked about weaknesses identified in security screening systems and immediate measures to prevent syndicates from abusing special access lanes for aviation personnel, following the arrest of a Malaysian pilot in Jakarta for carrying drugs.
Saifuddin said existing baggage scanners at Kuala Lumpur International Airport's (KLIA) departure lanes and airports nationwide complied with International Civil Aviation Organization standards, which focus on detecting explosives, weapons and dangerous metal objects to ensure flight safety.
"The existing baggage scanners at KLIA's departure lanes and airports nationwide are not equipped with technology to detect contraband such as drugs. Detection depends on the expertise, visual awareness and risk-profile analysis of screening personnel," he said.
He added that security screening at airports was also supported by intelligence from security agencies to curb smuggling through the country's entry points.
Saifuddin said a joint ministerial memorandum between the Home Ministry and the Transport Ministry, approved by the cabinet on Aug 19, 2026, endorsed an action plan to improve and mitigate security risks at the country's entry points, comprising 17 substantive recommendations.
The plan covers three main areas: aviation security, national and border security, and physical security and protection. Implementation will be phased, with short-term measures taking zero to six months, medium-term measures six to 24 months, and long-term measures more than 24 months.
To address the risk of aviation and airport personnel abusing special access lanes, the government and relevant agencies will tighten security screening for airport security pass applications and renewals.
Saifuddin said the measures included strengthening the e-Vetting system to prevent individuals deemed to pose a risk from being granted access to restricted areas.
The government would also introduce regular job rotations for personnel working in restricted security areas to reduce the risk of collusion and manipulation of controls at special access lanes, he said.
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