KUALA LUMPUR: A team of investigators from Bukit Aman’s Narcotics Crime Investigation Department (NCID) sent to Jakarta has been granted access to question a Malaysian pilot detained over a major drug smuggling case.
Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail (pic) confirmed that Indonesian authorities allowed the Malaysian team to interview the suspect.
"I have received an initial briefing from NCID Director Comm Datuk Hussein Omar Khan," Saifuddin Nasution told reporters on Thursday (Aug 13). "From the outset, our investigators were granted access by Indonesian authorities to interview the subject involved."
He added that the investigation remains active and urged patience while the team completes its work.
"The process is still ongoing, so we should allow them to complete their work first. I will share any new developments from the interviews with the media later," he said.
Addressing broader measures to tighten airport security, Saifuddin Nasution said he received a briefing from the ministry’s secretary-general and a multi-agency task force.
He noted that a comprehensive proposal to enhance security protocols across national airports will be submitted to the Cabinet next week following a two-week study period.
"I will review the proposal first. If no further adjustments are needed, I will present it at the next Cabinet meeting alongside the Transport Minister," he said.
On July 28, the 39-year-old Malaysian pilot was arrested at Terminal 3 of Soekarno-Hatta International Airport after Indonesian authorities discovered 15 packages containing 70,114 ecstasy pills and methamphetamine hidden in his luggage.
