Airport security screening done earlier

WE refer to the letter “Worrying lapse in airport security” (The Star, July 18) by C.G. Tiong.

Malaysia Airports appreciates the writer’s public spiritedness in highlighting his concern on a possible security lapse which he encountered on July 7 at KLIA.

We have investigated the matter and would like to inform that there was no security breach with regards to the security screening of domestic and international passengers at our airport. It is possible that the writer may have misunderstood the matter.

The situation Tiong highlighted happened at gates B10 and H10, which were designed as a mixed boarding lounge. A mixed boarding lounge has the advantage of a swing gate that allows for utilisation by both international and domestic flights, thereby enhancing airport operations efficiency. Security measures are put in place at the swing gates to prevent any security breach.

All departing domestic passengers go through airport security screening at the centralised security checkpoint upon entering the airside while all departing international passengers at KLIA Main Terminal go through security screening upon entering their respective boarding gates.

On the day in question, Malindo Air flight OD2104 scheduled to depart to Penang from Domestic Gate B10 at 1.15pm was delayed to 3.36pm, whereby the passengers were already holding at the said lounge.

Meanwhile, Malaysia Airlines Flight MH619, scheduled to depart at 2.25pm, was boarding passengers at international Gate H10 that shares the same boarding lounge.

In any event, this was not deemed a security issue as all passengers at both B10 and H10 gates had undergone their respective security screening. The respective airlines’ security officers were also present at the lounge to ensure that all passengers boarded the correct flights.

We hope this explanation provides clarification on the situation. Rest assured that Malaysia Airports is always committed to ensuring the safety and security of all our passengers through continuous enhancement of our security measures and stringent monitoring and compliance with guidelines determined by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).

MALAYSIA AIRPORTS HOLDINGS BERHAD