Kuala lumpur: All security screening procedures for pilots and cabin crew at airports nationwide will be enhanced, said Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency (AKPS) director-general Datuk Seri Mohd Shuhaily Mohd Zain. He stated that a meeting chaired today by Transport Ministry (MOT) secretary-general Datuk Seri Jana Santhiran Muniayan, involving AKPS, the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), and Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG), is reviewing measures to bolster existing airport security procedures.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, AKPS and all relevant agencies are treating seriously the recent incident involving a Malaysian pilot who was arrested in Indonesia on suspicion of attempting to smuggle drugs. Representatives from MAG also attended the meeting and are taking the matter with utmost seriousness. All existing procedures will be enhanced in the near future, Mohd Shuhaily stated at a press conference.
On July 31, the media reported that a Malaysian pilot was arrested in Indonesia on suspicion of attempting to smuggle drugs, including 25 kilogrammes of ecstasy worth about Rp60 billion, into the country. Indonesia's Director-General of Customs and Excise, Djaka Budi Utama, noted that the 39-year-old suspect was arrested shortly after arriving at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Jakarta on July 29 after operating an international passenger flight from Kuala Lumpur. The drugs were allegedly found concealed in his luggage.
Elaborating further, Mohd Shuhaily mentioned that the pilot had cleared all security screening procedures at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) before departing on July 28. During routine screening using scanners, neither the items nor the luggage carried by the suspect raised any suspicious images. As such, he passed the standard security screening conducted at KLIA. Feedback from PDRM is awaited to review how the pilot managed to pass the screening.
He explained that individuals attempting to smuggle prohibited items out of the country usually employ specific methods to evade detection by scanners or other security screening procedures. Those attempting to smuggle prohibited items may conceal them or wrap them in a way that prevents the scanners from detecting them. The modus operandi used to wrap or conceal the methamphetamine is something AKPS is still awaiting details on from PDRM. PDRM is in the process of sending officers to collaborate with Indonesia's narcotics authorities.
Commenting on allegations of weaknesses in the screening process for flight crew, Mohd Shuhaily emphasized that pilots and cabin crew are subject to the same security screening procedures as other passengers. He also stressed that AKPS would not compromise if police investigations uncovered any element of misconduct involving its officers. If PDRM finds any foul play within his agency, Mohd Shuhaily assured that no stone will be left unturned.
He urged the public to allow enforcement personnel the time and space to carry out more thorough security checks at all the country's entry points. Emphasizing the importance of patience, Mohd Shuhaily reminded that there are officers entrusted with ensuring the safety of every journey, and the public should allow enforcement authorities the necessary time to fulfill their duties.