Flying out of KLIA to a high-risk spot? Expect a pat-down and 100pc bag check

Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) has introduced targeted, risk-based screening for passengers traveling to high-risk destinations, the Dewan Rakyat was informed. Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail disclosed that the new measures include full baggage checks and physical pat-downs of passengers. He explained that the enhanced screening is part of 17 recommendations to improve security controls and risk management at KLIA and other international entry points in Malaysia.

The government is implementing these measures in three phases, with the current focus on short-term actions for the next six months, beginning in August. For now, KLIA conducts physical pat-downs and 100% baggage checks on outbound flights from passengers headed to destinations classified as high-risk due to data and reported cases of smuggling incidents.

Indonesia and several other locations have been identified as high-risk areas. Saifuddin also mentioned that the government has tightened access controls at KLIA, proposing to shorten the validity period of access cards from five years to two years. He stated that the Home Ministry and Transport Ministry are responsible for handling this matter.