Malaysia is tightening security at its airports and other entry points, with targeted physical pat-downs, more K9 units and enhanced screening equipment among the measures being introduced.
Malaysia Airports welcomed the Government’s plan to strengthen security following an announcement by Communications Minister YB Dato’ Seri Ahmad Fahmi Mohamed Fadzil.
One of the key changes is the return of targeted physical pat-downs, which may be carried out when required based on risk assessment.
The checks will add another layer of security alongside existing measures such as handheld metal detectors.
The Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) and Royal Malaysian Customs Department (JKDM) will also deploy K9 units to support the aviation security measures already in place at airports.
The move will see several agencies working more closely on airport and border security, including the Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency (AKPS), Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM), PDRM, JKDM, Immigration Department of Malaysia (JIM) and Malaysia Airports.
The agencies will coordinate through the National Immigration Command Centre (NICC) and the Joint Ministry of Home Affairs–Ministry of Transport Technical Committee, with designated liaison officers helping to keep communication between agencies on track.
Malaysia Airports said the arrangement would also give each agency clearer responsibilities based on its area of expertise.
For Malaysia Airports, its Aviation Security (AVSEC) function will continue to focus on protecting civil aviation operations from unlawful interference and potential threats, including passengers attempting to bring firearms onboard aircraft.
Meanwhile, enhanced screening equipment is also being deployed at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) and other regional airports.
Malaysia Airports Managing Director Dato’ Mohd Izani Ghani said the closer coordination was needed as some security matters go beyond the airport operator’s responsibilities.
“For many years, national security matters have required us to respond to challenges that extend beyond the airport operator’s core mandate,” he said.
“This coordinated approach provides much-needed clarity on roles and responsibilities, ensuring that each agency can bring its respective authority and expertise to bear.”
He said Malaysia Airports would continue working with the Government and enforcement agencies to strengthen security at the country’s airports and other gateways.
Engagement with the relevant authorities is ongoing as the new measures are being worked out and implemented.
For travellers, the changes mean airport security will involve more agencies and additional layers of screening, particularly where risks are identified.
The overall aim is to strengthen security at Malaysia’s key entry points while giving each agency a clearer role in managing potential threats.
This is an original article written by Attiqah Mohd based on the official media release issued by Malaysia Airports media team to the writer. This work is the intellectual property of the author and must not be copied, reproduced or republished without prior permission and proper attribution.
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