Cabinet approves 17 measures to strengthen KLIA and border security, with six quick-win steps including risk-based screening and drug testing.
PETALING JAYA: The Cabinet has approved 17 recommendations to strengthen security screening, risk management and controls at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) and the country’s international entry points, with six immediate measures to be implemented as “quick wins”.
The measures, contained in a joint memorandum by the Home Ministry (KDN) and Transport Ministry (MOT), are aimed at addressing concerns over the integrity of the country’s border security system.
The six priority measures include targeted, risk-based screening of flights, passengers, crew and baggage identified as high-risk, as well as tighter security vetting and access controls for aviation personnel and others requiring access to restricted areas.
“The government will also strengthen drug screening for aviation personnel through pre-employment, periodic and random testing involving pilots, cabin crew and relevant staff,” the ministries said in a statement.
The presence of Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) personnel will also be increased at strategic locations as a deterrent, with additional General Operations Force (PGA) personnel deployed on each shift at KLIA Terminals 1 and 2.
“The government will also strengthen security and intelligence information-sharing through the National Immigration Command Centre (NICC),” it said.
A KDN-MOT Technical Committee, jointly chaired by the secretaries-general of both ministries, will also be established immediately to coordinate implementation, resolve cross-agency issues and monitor the overall action plan.
The six measures form the short-term priorities under a broader 17-recommendation plan covering short-, medium- and long-term actions.
The medium-term phase will focus on strengthening technology, assets and human resources, while the long-term phase will involve transforming systems, information-sharing and governance, as well as expanding the measures to other international entry points nationwide based on risk levels and the suitability of each location.
The plan was drawn up following several incidents that raised concerns over the integrity of national security controls, including the detention of a Malaysian citizen in Indonesia over alleged involvement in drug smuggling, as well as several high-profile security incidents.
“KLIA will serve as the pilot location for implementation before the measures are progressively expanded to other international entry points based on threat levels, operational requirements and the suitability of each location,” the ministries said.
KDN and MOT said the government was committed to implementing all recommendations professionally, with integrity and in accordance with the law, while taking into account individual rights, data protection, as well as the interests of passengers and the aviation industry.
The measures are expected to strengthen national security, improve the integrity of Malaysia’s international entry points and maintain confidence among Malaysians, tourists and the international aviation community in the country’s security system.
