Cabinet wants security to be stepped up at airports

NEW DELHI: The Cabinet wants security to be increased at Malaysia's international airports in the wake of terrorists attacks at similar facilities abroad, said Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi (pix).  

The Deputy Prime Minister said deploying more auxiliary policemen, undercover detectives and soldiers to carry out joint patrols at airport buildings were among the proposals included at Cabinet's meeting last Wednesday.  

Dr Ahmad Zahid said the move also includes directing airports to install more high-definition CCTV cameras and facial recognition equipment at immigration counters.   

"We hope the people will understand why we want to do this. We cannot allow our airport security to be compromised. 

"I have discussed this matter with the Transport Minister and I believe that the blue ocean strategy of collaboration on airport security will be a success," he told Malaysian journalists here Monday. 

He was asked to elaborate on the Government's proposal to allow only air passengers to enter terminals at all major airports in Malaysia to enhance security. 

On Friday, during a meeting in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, Dr Ahmad Zahid was reported to have said that if the proposal was implemented, only passengers would be allowed at check-in counters while those sending them off should gather outside or at a designated place. 

He expressed hope that the move would be implemented soon.  

He added Transport Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai had been asked to find a mechanism to ensure that vehicles sending off or waiting for passengers would not park at the terminals.