THE Government will strengthen airport and border security under a 17-point action plan that includes tighter screening of airport personnel and the eventual introduction of scanners capable of identifying prohibited substances.
Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said the measures were approved on Aug 19 under a joint memorandum by the Home Ministry and Transport Ministry, following concerns over security weaknesses highlighted by the arrest of a Malaysian co-pilot in Jakarta over alleged drug smuggling.
The action plan covers aviation security, national and border security, and physical security and protection, with implementation divided into short-term measures within six months, medium-term measures within six to 24 months, and long-term measures beyond 24 months.
Among the measures already being strengthened are background checks for new and renewed airport passes through an enhanced electronic vetting system, as well as regular rotation of personnel working in restricted security areas to reduce the risk of collusion and abuse of security procedures.
Saifuddin disclosed the measures in a written parliamentary reply to Rodiyah Sapiee, explaining that existing baggage scanners at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) and other Malaysian airports were designed mainly to detect explosives, weapons and dangerous metal objects rather than drugs.
“The existing baggage screening systems are not equipped with technology to detect contraband such as drugs,” he said, adding that detection currently relies on screening officers’ expertise, visual assessments and risk profiling.
The government plans to upgrade baggage and body scanners at international entry points in phases, incorporating artificial intelligence analytics and capabilities to identify anomalies involving prohibited substances.
The case that prompted scrutiny involved a Malaysian co-pilot arrested at Jakarta’s Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in July over alleged drug smuggling involving substances believed to have passed through KLIA.
Malaysian authorities said in August that the co-pilot had undergone the required screening at KLIA, but his baggage had not been flagged for further inspection. Police subsequently investigated possible links between airport personnel and a drug syndicate.
In October, Bukit Aman said the co-pilot’s detention in Jakarta had been extended by another 30 days. Another pilot and six other people suspected of links to the same syndicate had also been detained in Malaysia. - October 22, 2026