PUTRAJAYA: Current airport scanning technology is up to standard, but the scope of screening and officer training require urgent refinement, says Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.
Speaking after flagging off the Star FC tour here on Sunday (Aug 9), Saifuddin confirmed that the Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency (MCBA) director-general had briefed him on the hardware capabilities.
"There is no deficiency in terms of the scanning machines," Saifuddin said. "Our equipment has the full capability to detect these items."
However, he pointed out that current screening protocols focus primarily on detecting weapons rather than illicit substances.
"Although contraband may also be detected, we see this as an area for improvement—specifically tailoring the focus to match the expertise of the officers conducting the screening," he explained.
"We will examine every angle: where the lapse occurred and how we can address it immediately. This directly impacts our entry points, national security, and the country's image."
While current hardware is deemed functional, Saifuddin did not rule out future technology upgrades to keep pace with international standards.
"Are we going to simply stick with the existing machines? Certainly not," he said, noting that airports globally are adopting far more advanced detection technology. "We are always open to adopting modern equipment."
He also highlighted the human factor in security operations, noting that high-tech machinery relies entirely on the alertness and training of the person behind the screen.
"The machines possess very high capabilities, but the officer operating the machine is another critical factor," he said.
The review follows the July 28 arrest of a 39-year-old Malaysian pilot at Terminal 3 of Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Indonesia. Indonesian authorities intercepted the pilot after discovering 15 large packages containing 70,114 ecstasy pills alongside methamphetamine hidden in his luggage.
