Scanning equipment worth RM700mil to be used at Malaysia's entry points

Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng says rules for cryptocurrency exchanges, ICO in force by Q1 of 2019.

BUTTERWORTH: Scanning equipment worth RM700mil will be used at Malaysia's entry points by end of next year to tighten the hold on illegal activities in the country.

Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng said the equipment which consisted of six body scanners, eight baggage scanners and 55 cargo scanners would be placed all over Malaysia including at all border and entry points into the country.

"With the cargo scanners we can scan lorries without having to go through it and find out what they are transporting.

"The six body scanners and eight baggage scanners will be placed at airports while the cargo scanners will normally be placed at ports," he said at a press conference after launching the newly refurbished multi-purpose hall at the The Royal Malaysian Customs housing in Butterworth on Sunday (Dec 23).

Lim said the equipment was expensive as the 55 cargo scanners are priced at RM12mil each.

"The cost is estimated at RM700mil but with an open tender we might be able to get it for less or use other means of getting the equipment.

"It is not necessary that it has to be bought, if possible we can get it on loan and pay rental to lessen the cost.

"It is however essential as what is important is that we see the equipment being used by the end of next year," he said.