Heightened security boosts traveller confidence

PETALING JAYA: Increased security at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) Terminal 1 and 2 will put the public’s mind at ease and at the same time ensure the good image of Malaysia as a safe destination among travellers, say aviation and tourism experts.

They hailed the move by the police to beef up security at the facilities through the deployment of General Operations Force (PGA) personnel.

ALSO READ: Police beef up presence and step up patrols at KLIA

Captain Ab Manan Mansor said the presence of PGA personnel will reinforce the security of the country’s main airports.

The aviation expert, however, stressed that the authorities should not overreact so as to prevent giving an impression that Malaysia might have security issues.

“Deploying the PGA is a timely decision and definitely a good start because people will feel safe, but we have to also make sure that this does not affect our image.

“PGA personnel in full gear could perhaps be placed in certain areas with just a few of them around the airport while others could operate more discreetly.

“Other airports around the world have added security too and it does give travellers a sense of safety and security,” he said yesterday.

Captain Ab Manan was asked to comment on the Selangor police’s efforts to step up security at both terminals with the deployment of PGA personnel in the wake of last Sunday’s early-morning shooting incident at KLIA.

A man is alleged to have shot at his wife at KLIA’s arrival hall, causing her bodyguard to be seriously injured. The incident sparked public safety concerns.

Hafizul Harawi, 38, was arrested on Monday and remanded the next day to assist in investigations over the incident.

Malaysian Inbound Tourism Association (Mita) president Mint Leong agreed that there must be measures in place to ensure local and foreign travellers feel safe at airports.

“What happened was an isolated incident and a very personal one but regardless of that, security at airports must be levelled up. Although I don’t see the shooting case jeopardising our safety, travellers need to feel safe.

“KLIA is a crucial gateway for travellers from around the world, and from a tourism perspective, we hope visitors can perceive our country as a safe destination,” she said.

Consortium Inbound Tourism Alliance (Cinta) chairman Uzaidi Udanis also advised against “overdoing things” to the extent of affecting traveller experience, but agreed that the move by the authorities is a timely one.

“Considering the current geopolitical crises around the globe, especially in the Middle East, the efforts by the police are welcome,” he said.

A Sabahan business executive, who wanted to be known only as Amelia, said she was relieved to see more security at the airport after the shooting recently.

“Having sufficient security measures in place provides travellers with greater peace of mind, and hopefully, acts as a deterrent against any untoward incidents,” said the 36-year-old frequent flyer through both KLIA terminals.

Johan Hakimi, 28, who travelled to a few countries around South-East Asia recently, said he did notice strict airport security at these countries, where there were always police officers guarding the entry doors and some patrolling around the terminals.

“Following the recent incident at KLIA, it’s good that we have beefed up security at the airport and do not take the peace we are enjoying for granted,” he added.