SEPANG: A joint meeting between airport stakeholders and the authorities, including the Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency (AKPS), has been conducted to discuss improvements in protocols following the arrest of a Malaysian pilot in Indonesia after he was found with drugs.
AKPS director-general Comm Datuk Seri Mohd Shuhaily Mohd Zain, at a press conference Monday (Aug 3) at the KL International Airport Terminal One, said that the special meeting was held earlier in the day with representatives from both security agencies and ministries present.
“Earlier today, a special meeting was held by the Transport Ministry which was also attended by myself, Bukit Aman Narcotics Crime Investigation Department (NCID) director Comm Datuk Hussein Omar Khan, and other stakeholders and relevant agencies.
"The meeting was chaired and coordinated by the ministry’s secretary-general to examine how the existing procedures can be further improved,” he said.
He added that the matter was being viewed seriously and procedures will be improved upon in the near future.
In a statement Monday, Malaysia Airports said it placed the security and safety of its passenger as a key priority.
"All checked baggage departing through KLIA for both passengers and airline crew are subject to aviation security screening in accordance with established security requirements. The detection, investigation and enforcement of offences involving illegal substances that do not pose a direct threat to the safety and security of passengers falls within the mandate of the relevant law enforcement authorities.
"Malaysia Airports supports these efforts through close operational cooperation and information sharing with the relevant authorities,” it said.
It added that the Aviation Security (AVSEC) team had already intercepted 30 attempts to smuggle illegal substances with the police between January and July this year.
"Malaysia Airports remains committed to supporting these multi-agency efforts to safeguard Malaysia’s borders against illegal activities and will provide any assistance required in relation to this case,” it said.
