Kuala lumpur: Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) today reaffirmed its commitment to supporting multi-agency efforts to safeguard Malaysia's borders against illegal activities, including through close cooperation with enforcement authorities following the recent drug-related case involving a Malaysian pilot in Indonesia.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the airport operator expressed its readiness to provide any necessary assistance related to the case while ensuring ongoing collaboration with relevant agencies to bolster security and enforcement at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA). MAHB emphasized its dedication to preventing unlawful interference that could threaten civil aviation security through its Aviation Security (AVSEC) team, which employs advanced screening systems to detect potential threats.
MAHB explained that the AVSEC team implements stringent security protocols and utilizes advanced screening systems to identify threats such as explosives, weapons, and other hazardous items. The airport's baggage handling system prioritizes these security measures, ensuring that all checked baggage, whether belonging to passengers or airline crew, undergoes aviation security screening according to established requirements.
The organization clarified that the detection and enforcement of offenses involving illegal substances, which do not directly threaten aviation safety, fall under the jurisdiction of relevant law enforcement authorities. These include the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) and the Royal Malaysia Customs Department for issues related to drugs and contraband, with the Department of Wildlife and National Parks addressing wildlife trafficking.
MAHB highlighted that these agencies perform their duties at the airport following applicable laws and procedures, while MAHB supports their operations through collaborative efforts and information sharing. The airport's AVSEC team has partnered with PDRM to intercept over 30 smuggling attempts involving illegal substances at the airport between January and July this year.
The statement comes after the arrest of a 39-year-old Malaysian pilot in Indonesia on July 29, who allegedly attempted to smuggle drugs upon his arrival from Malaysia. Indonesian authorities reported that the confiscated drugs included approximately 70,114 ecstasy pills and four grams of methamphetamine, valued at an estimated Rp60 billion.
Preliminary investigations by Indonesian authorities suggested that the suspect might have previously smuggled narcotics into Indonesia and could be connected to an international drug trafficking network. Efforts are ongoing to identify other syndicate members and the intended recipients of the drugs.
Meanwhile, the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) has initiated an investigation to determine whether aviation security procedures were correctly followed in this incident. CAAM's chief executive officer, Datuk Capt Norazman Mahmud, stated that the inquiry would assess the situation from a regulatory standpoint, focusing on the airline's compliance with aviation security requirements and the airport operator's screening processes.