PUTRAJAYA: The Cabinet will be briefed next week on proposed measures to strengthen aviation security procedures and facilities following the detention of a Malaysian pilot in Indonesia for alleged drug smuggling, says Anthony Loke.
The Transport Minister said the Home Ministry was mainly responsible for drafting comprehensive plans to improve standard operating procedures (SOP) for security screening and other measures.
“We will look at all the scope of the machines and other SOPs as well, to ensure that our machines and facilities are improved,” Loke said at the ministry’s headquarters here yesterday.
He added that airlines had been told to strengthen the screening of pilots and cabin crew.
Loke said the Transport Ministry and Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) were taking steps to enhance surveillance and screening, while Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG) had also been instructed to strengthen its procedures.
“Not only MAG, but other airlines as well. We will ensure that all airlines strengthen their surveillance and screening of pilots and cabin crew,” he said.
On a separate matter, Loke said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is expected to launch the Penang Air Logistics Complex soon, with construction of the new logistics hub already underway.
The minister said the project, a collaboration between MAHB and the Penang Development Corporation (PDC), will expand the existing air cargo hub and significantly increase its capacity.
“We have invited the Prime Minister to launch the project between MAHB and PDC,” he said, adding that the project would help boost Penang’s air cargo facilities and strengthen its role as a logistics hub for the northern region.
He added that MAHB also had plans to upgrade its air cargo facilities at other airports, including KL International Airport.
