PUTRAJAYA: An upgrade to the scanning machines at airports is being considered as part of efforts to strengthen security, says Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.
He said the government was always open to exploring the use of the latest screening equipment in line with technological advancements, particularly at the country’s main entry points.
The existing scanning machines at airports were functioning well and had a high capability to detect dangerous items and other prohibited materials, he said.
“Are we going to remain static with the existing machines going forward?
“Certainly not, because there are various types of equipment available for airport entry-point screening that are far more advanced and have greater capabilities.
“We are always open to ideas on adopting all types of new equipment,” he told a press conference after the flag-off ceremony for the Star City FC Tour Convoy here yesterday, Bernama reported.
Airport security control has come under scrutiny following a series of incidents, particularly after a Malaysian pilot was arrested for drug possession at Indonesia’s Soekarno-Hatta International Airport last week.
Saifuddin Nasution said baggage screening is the responsibility of the Aviation Security team and in line with international airport screening standards under the International Civil Aviation Organisation.
He said improvements to the scope of baggage screening were also being considered to enable prohibited items, including drugs, to be detected.
“From the perspective of the screening scope, the focus is more on weaponry than contraband. We see this as one of the areas for improvement that we need to focus on.”
He said a meeting with the agencies under his ministry would be held today to examine the implementation of a comprehensive plan to improve security controls at KL International Airport (KLIA).
Earlier, Saifuddin Nasution said the Cabinet had instructed the Home Ministry and the Transport Ministry to submit a comprehensive plan to improve security controls at KLIA within two weeks.
He said the directive followed the government’s concerns over the latest incident, which was viewed as potentially tarnishing the country’s image as well as creating a perception that there were weaknesses in the security control system at the premises.
