SHAH ALAM, Oct 22 — Baggage and body scanners at all international entry points in the country will undergo a phased upgrade to more advanced scanning technology, equipped with artificial intelligence (AI) analytics integration and the ability to detect anomalies involving prohibited substances.
Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said this is to ensure security screening efficiency is continuously enhanced in line with international standards.
“This is part of a long-term plan, where the government is committed to comprehensively modernise security assets and infrastructure at all of the country’s international entry points,” he said in a written Parliamentary reply yesterday.
Saifuddin was responding to Batang Sadong MP Rodiyah Sapiee’s query on whether weaknesses in the security screening system have been identified, and what immediate actions are being taken to prevent syndicates from abusing the special access lanes designated for flight crew.
This is following the arrest of a local pilot in Jakarta, Indonesia in July after he was found carrying drugs worth an estimated RM45 million.
He added that while existing baggage scanners at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport and other airports nationwide comply with International Civil Aviation Organisation standards, they are not equipped with technology to detect contraband such as drugs.
“Instead, detection relies on the expertise and visual acuity of screening officers, as well as risk profiles analysed by the officers on duty.
“However, security screening processes at the country’s airports are also supported by intelligence from security agencies to curb smuggling activities at the country’s entry points,” he said.
A Joint Ministerial Memorandum between the Home Ministry and the Transport Ministry has endorsed the National Entry Point Security Improvement and Mitigation Action Plan, comprising 17 substantive recommendations.
“This action plan focuses on three core security pillars: aviation security, national and border security, and physical security and protection. It is being implemented in phases, consisting of short-term (0 to 6 months), medium-term (6 to 24 months), and long-term (over 24 months) recommendations,” Saifuddin said.
The government and relevant agencies have also taken immediate action to curb the risk of special access routes being abused by tightening security screening.
“This is being achieved through the enhancement of the 'e-Vetting' system, ensuring that high-risk individuals are not granted access to restricted zones,” he said.
The government has also mandated periodic job rotation for personnel working within Security Restricted Areas.
