Anwar: Malaysia needs better tech to counter increasingly sophisticated drug smuggling

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 3 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has emphasized the need for Malaysia to adopt more advanced detection technology at its entry points to combat the increasingly sophisticated methods employed in drug smuggling. In response to the development in technology, Anwar stated that the existing scanning machines at airports are no longer sufficient, as they were designed to detect weapons and explosives rather than prohibited substances such as drugs concealed using more complex methods.

To enhance drug detection capabilities, Anwar revealed that new analytical facilities are being put in place. He acknowledged that the current facilities available are based on outdated technology, while smuggling methods have become more sophisticated, making it increasingly difficult to detect drugs concealed on the body. Anwar emphasized that new analytical facilities are now being provided to complement the K9 (Detection Dog Unit), although the new facility is currently only available at KLIA (Kuala Lumpur International Airport) for now.