Lighters and flight safety

I REFER to the letters “Worrying lapse in airport security” by C.G. Tiong (The Star, July 18) and Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad’s (MAHB) reply “Airport security screening done earlier” (July 24).

As a frequent traveller, I too have my share of concerns regarding the lapse in security while passing through our nation’s airports.

Whenever I travel with my friends who are avid smokers, I always wonder how they manage to elusively smuggle their cigarette lighters across the security checkpoints and scanning machines at our airports.

What elevates my curiosity is the fact that upon returning from foreign countries, namely Australia, India, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam and China, the airports and their security will definitely be able to detect these cigarette lighters. Confiscation of these lighters will take place, followed by a stern warning and blacklisting of names into a permanent record.

During a flight, numerous acts of mischief are possible with a simple cigarette lighter. To say that smokers have their right to the convenience of a handy lighter should not be an excuse for allowing cigarette lighters on board any flight.

While I am glad and assured that MAHB is committed to ensuring safety and security in accordance with the guidelines of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), I am also worried that the security personnel on the ground may have missed the memo on cigarette lighters.

CONCERNED TRAVELLER

Ipoh