SANDAKAN: The Federal Cabinet has ordered an immediate and comprehensive review of security measures at the country’s airports.
Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said the move followed the Cabinet’s concern over recent incidents that had affected the country’s image and created the impression that there are weaknesses in airport security.
“The Cabinet takes a serious view of the incidents that have occurred, as they give the impression that security controls at our airports have been breached. Immediate steps are being taken to draft a detailed improvement plan involving various agencies,” he told a press conference after a Joint Security Assessment with Foreign Delegations to the Eastern Sabah Security Zone (Esszone), here, Friday.
Saifuddin said the action plan would examine every stage of the airport security process, beginning with baggage screening and extending to passenger checks, access control and all other security-related procedures.
He said discussions had already been held with the Ministry’s Chief Secretary, with an inter-agency meeting expected to be held next week to begin work on the proposed improvements.
“The review will involve all agencies responsible for airport security, including the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad (MAHB), Aviation Security (AVSEC), the Malaysia Airports Auxiliary Police and other relevant enforcement authorities.
“The agencies will identify potential vulnerabilities in the current security system and recommend measures to minimise the risk of future security breaches while improving coordination and enforcement at all of the country’s airports,” he added.
Last week, a 39-year-old Malaysian pilot was arrested at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport after Indonesian customs officers allegedly found 70,114 ecstasy pills in 15 packets concealed in his luggage.
