PUTRAJAYA, Aug 5 — The government will deploy personnel from the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) to the Aviation Security (AVSEC) unit as an immediate measure to strengthen security controls at airports, said Communications Minister cum MADANI government spokesman Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil.
The improvement measures were presented by the Home Ministry (KDN) and the Transport Ministry (MOT) during the Cabinet meeting today following the arrest of a Malaysian pilot in Indonesia on suspicion of drug smuggling.
"The Cabinet was informed by KDN and MOT that several immediate improvements need to be implemented. Firstly, the Aviation Security unit should be staffed by Royal Malaysia Police personnel.
"At present, the unit is managed by auxiliary police personnel," he said during his weekly press conference today.
Fahmi added that Malaysia Aviation Group will be asked to review its background screening and health assessment protocols for pilots and co-pilots following several incidents.
PDRM and the Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency have also been instructed to examine any weaknesses or loopholes in the security system that could potentially be exploited, so that corrective measures can be implemented immediately.
Regarding the possibility of establishing a special investigation team to probe the case, he said the government will first study the full report before making any decision.
"At this point, we have only received an oral briefing from the Transport Minister and the Home Minister. Since the case in Indonesia is still active, we need some time to study the full report.
"We will examine it and consider the follow-up actions; we need to know who else may have been involved. Those responsible must be brought to justice, and we need to take comprehensive measures to ensure these loopholes are closed immediately," Fahmi said.
The media previously reported that a 39-year-old Malaysian pilot was arrested by Indonesian authorities at Terminal 3 of Soekarno-Hatta International Airport on suspicion of attempting to smuggle 25kg of drugs.
According to the Indonesian National Police, inspections uncovered 15 packages containing 70,114 ecstasy and methamphetamine capsules, with an estimated street value of RM45 million based on market prices in Indonesia.
