Saifuddin vows scanner upgrade, promises smarter baggage checks after pilot drug scandal
PUTRAJAYA, Aug 9 — The government will look into upgrading scanning machines at airports nationwide as part of eff...
Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution has announced plans to upgrade scanning machines at airports throughout the country, aiming to bolster security and enhance the effectiveness of baggage screening. Speaking at a press conference, he emphasized the government's openness to adopting more advanced equipment as technology progresses, particularly at the nation's primary entry points.
He assured that existing scanning machines were functioning optimally and capable of detecting dangerous items and prohibited materials. However, he noted that static maintenance would not be the approach going forward, as there are advanced alternatives available with superior capabilities. The Home Minister's remarks come in response to recent security concerns following several incidents involving Malaysians, including the detention of a Malaysian pilot after drugs were seized at an international airport.
Airport security control has been under scrutiny due to these occurrences. Saifuddin emphasized that baggage screening at airports falls under the responsibility of the Aviation Security (AVSEC) team, adhering to international airport screening standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO). He highlighted that the current focus of screening scope is more on weaponry rather than contraband, and improving the scope of baggage screening to detect prohibited items, such as smuggled drugs, is a priority area.
Saifuddin also mentioned that he and agencies under the Home Ministry would convene a special meeting the following day to devise a comprehensive plan for enhancing security controls at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA). The Home Ministry and Transport Ministry have been tasked with submitting a comprehensive improvement plan addressing operational, equipment, and manpower aspects within two weeks.
The directive follows the government's concerns over the latest incident, perceived as potentially damaging to the country's image and indicating weaknesses in the security control system at the airport premises.
Written by urgent.news from Malay Mail's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
