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THE Cabinet has approved 17 measures to tighten security checks and controls at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) and other international entry points following the arrest of a Malaysian pilot in Indonesia over an alleged drug-smuggling case.
The Home and Transport Ministries had submitted the joint memorandum, which was approved by the Cabinet yesterday.
“Six of the 17 measures would be given immediate attention, including tighter screening of flights, passengers, crew and baggage identified as carrying higher risks,” the ministry said in a statement.
The authorities will also tighten vetting and access controls for those working in restricted areas, including flight crew, airline and ground-handling staff, airport operator employees, vendors and contractors.
Drug testing for aviation personnel will also be stepped up, covering pilots, cabin crew and other relevant staff through pre-employment, periodic and random checks.
The ministry added that police presence at strategic locations in KLIA would be increased, with additional General Operations Force personnel to be deployed during each shift at Terminal 1 and Terminal 2.
Security and intelligence agencies will also strengthen information-sharing through the National Immigration Command Centre.
A joint technical committee involving the Home and Transport ministries will be set up to coordinate the measures, deal with issues between agencies and monitor their implementation.
The committee will be jointly chaired by the secretaries-general of both ministries.
“The six priority measures will be implemented in the short term, with KLIA chosen as the initial location before the approach is extended to other international entry points.”
“The expansion will be based on the level of security threats, operational needs and suitability at each location,” the statement read.
The decision comes after a 39-year-old Malaysian pilot was arrested at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Jakarta on July 28.
Indonesian authorities seized 15 packets containing about 70,000 ecstasy and methamphetamine capsules, weighing around 25kg and estimated to be worth RM45 million.
Indonesian police said the pilot had allegedly been promised RM50,000 to act as a courier for the drug shipment. – August 20, 2026
