Saifuddin Nasution vows scanner upgrade, promises smarter baggage checks after pilot drug scandal

Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution announced the government's intention to explore upgrading scanning machines at airports across Malaysia, as part of efforts to bolster airport security and enhance baggage screening capabilities. The existing scanning machines, Saifuddin clarified, were already functioning well with a high capability to detect dangerous and prohibited materials.

However, he emphasized that the government recognizes the potential benefits of adopting advanced equipment available in the market, and is open to considering it.

The announcement came in the wake of several recent incidents involving Malaysians, including the detention of a Malaysian pilot who was detained after 25 kilograms of MDMA-type drugs were seized at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Indonesia. Saifuddin stated that baggage screening at airports is the responsibility of the Aviation Security (AVSEC) team, and that it aligns with international airport screening standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).

Saifuddin also highlighted that the current focus of the screening scope is more on weaponry than contraband, and that improving the scope of baggage screening to detect prohibited items such as drugs smuggled in is an area for improvement that needs to be addressed. In this regard, a special meeting between the Home Ministry and agencies under the Home Ministry is set to take place tomorrow to examine a comprehensive plan to improve security controls at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA).

The Home Minister pointed out that both the Home Ministry and the Transport Ministry have been tasked to submit a comprehensive improvement plan within two weeks to address concerns over the latest incident, which has raised questions about the effectiveness of the security control system at KLIA. The plan is expected to cover aspects related to operations, equipment, and manpower, with the aim of mitigating potential incidents and enhancing overall airport security.