Govt approves 17 measures to tighten security at KLIA, international entry points

PUTRAJAYA, Aug 20 — The Malaysian Cabinet has greenlit 17 measures aimed at bolstering security at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) and other international entry points across the country. The proposals, drafted by the Home Ministry and Transport Ministry, have been accepted and will serve as the foundation for a comprehensive plan to enhance security controls.

Among the urgent measures, six are earmarked as "quick wins." These include targeted risk-based screening for flights, passengers, crew, and baggage, with a focus on high-risk individuals. The government will also reinforce electronic vetting and access controls for flight crew, airline and airport staff, vendors, contractors, and others needing access to restricted security zones.

Furthermore, drug screening for aviation personnel will be intensified through pre-employment, ongoing, and random testing of pilots and cabin crew.

In order to act as a deterrent, the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) will increase its visible presence at key locations, complemented by additional General Operations Force (PGA) personnel manning shifts at KLIA's Terminals 1 and 2. The exchange of security and intelligence information will be improved through the National Immigration Command Centre (NICC).

The sixth quick win involves the formation of a Home Ministry-Transport Ministry Technical Committee, chaired jointly by the secretaries-general of both ministries. This committee will oversee the implementation, address inter-agency issues, and monitor the overall action plan.

While the six quick wins constitute the short-term priorities, the remaining recommendations will be carried out in phases, beginning with medium- and long-term strategies. The medium-term phase will concentrate on advancing technology, assets, and human resources, while the long-term phase will entail system transformation, information sharing, governance, and the expansion of security measures to additional international entry points, based on risk, operational needs, and the feasibility of each location.

The action plan was formulated following several incidents that raised concerns about the integrity of national security controls. These included the arrest of a Malaysian in Indonesia on accusations of drug trafficking and several high-profile security breaches. KLIA will initially serve as a trial location, with the plan subsequently being progressively implemented at other international entry points, contingent upon threat levels, operational demands, and the appropriateness of each site.

The Home Ministry and Transport Ministry affirmed their dedication to implementing all recommendations professionally, with integrity, and in line with the law, while respecting individual rights, data protection, and the interests of passengers and the aviation sector. They emphasized that these measures will enhance national security, improve the integrity of international entry points, and maintain the trust of Malaysians, tourists, and the global aviation community in Malaysia's security system.