SEPANG, Aug 3 — Security screening for flight crew at airports nationwide will be tightened, said Border Control and Protection Agency (AKPS) director-general Datuk Seri Mohd Shuhaily Mohd Zain.
He said a meeting today, chaired by Transport Ministry (MOT) secretary-general Datuk Seri Jana Santhiran Muniayan, involving AKPS, Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) and Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG), is reviewing measures to strengthen existing airport security procedures.
Shuhaily said AKPS and concerned agencies are taking seriously a recent incident where a Malaysian pilot was arrested in Indonesia for attempting to smuggle drugs.
“Representatives from MAG also attended the meeting, and they are taking the matter very, very seriously. All existing procedures will be enhanced in the near future.
“We have also been informed that all pilots and crew members, or staff, will undergo more comprehensive screening,” he said at a press conference here today.
On July 31, the media reported that a Malaysian pilot was arrested in Indonesia on suspicion of attempting to smuggle drugs, including 25kg of ecstasy worth about Rp60 billion (RM13.67 million), into the country.
Indonesian customs chief Djaka Budi Utama said the 39-year-old suspect was arrested shortly upon arrival at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Jakarta on July 29 after operating an international passenger flight from Kuala Lumpur. The drugs were allegedly found in his luggage.
Shuhaily said the pilot had cleared security screening at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) before departure on July 28.
“During the routine screening using scanners, neither the items nor the luggage carried by the suspect raised any suspicious images.
“He passed the standard security screening conducted at KLIA. We are still awaiting feedback from PDRM so that we can review how he was able to pass the screening,” he said.
“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 we are still awaiting details on from PDRM. I understand that PDRM is in the process of sending officers to work with Indonesia’s narcotics authorities,” he said.
Commenting on allegations of weaknesses in the screening process for flight crew, Shuhaily stressed that pilots and cabin crew are subject to the same security screening procedures as passengers.
He also stressed that AKPS would not take it lightly if police investigations reveal misconduct involving its officers.
“I will take my lead from PDRM on the internal investigation. If PDRM finds any foul play within my agency, I think everyone is well aware of the way I work. No stone will be left unturned,” he said.
Shuhaily also 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.
“This is where we all need to exercise a little patience whenever we enter or leave the country. There are officers entrusted with ensuring every journey is safe.
“In ensuring the safety of those journeys, please allow enforcement authorities the time they need to carry out their duties,” he said.
