The Cabinet has directed the Home and Transport ministries to submit a plan within two weeks to strengthen security controls at Malaysian airports.
PETALING JAYA: The Cabinet has directed the Home Ministry and the Transport Ministry (MOT) to submit a comprehensive plan within two weeks to strengthen security controls at the country’s airports following recent incidents that raised concerns over existing safeguards.
Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution said the matter was discussed during the Cabinet meeting on Wednesday, where he briefed ministers on various aspects of airport security.
“The Cabinet takes the incident seriously as it affects the country’s reputation and creates the perception that our airport security controls have weaknesses,” he told reporters during a press conference after an ESSCOM visit in Sandakan, Sabah, today.
Following extensive discussions, Saifuddin said the Cabinet agreed that all relevant agencies, particularly those under the Home Ministry and MOT, must work together to formulate a plan to strengthen security measures throughout the airport system.
He said the plan would cover all aspects of airport security, including baggage screening procedures and measures to enhance passenger safety.
He added that he had also discussed the matter with the Home Ministry secretary-general and expected a meeting to be held next week to further address the issue.
“All relevant agencies will be involved in the review, including the Border Control and Protection Agency (AKPS), the police, Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad (MAHB), Aviation Security (AVSEC), auxiliary police and other related agencies,” he said.
Saifuddin said the collaboration is aimed at minimising potential security vulnerabilities at airports while ensuring stronger enforcement measures moving forward.
