PUTRAJAYA: The Cabinet has approved a comprehensive plan to tighten controls at the country’s entry points with immediate effect, says Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil.
The government spokesperson said the Transport and Home ministries presented the plan, which covers several key measures.
“As some of the matters involve security aspects, I will refer you to the Home Ministry for specific information.
“However, the plan was presented and approved by the Cabinet for immediate action beginning today (yesterday),” he said at a post-Cabinet meeting press conference yesterday.
Previously, Transport Minister Anthony Loke said the Cabinet will be briefed on proposed measures to strengthen aviation security procedures and facilities following the detention of a Malaysian pilot in Indonesia for alleged drug smuggling.
Loke said the Home Ministry was mainly responsible for drafting comprehensive plans to improve standard operating procedures for security screening and other measures.
Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail had said the plan seeks to strengthen coordination among relevant agencies and end the “siloed” approach to managing the country’s entry points.
Airport security controls have come under scrutiny following several cases involving Malaysians of late, including the detention of a Malaysian pilot after about 25kg of MDMA was seized at Jakarta’s Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Indonesia recently.
On a separate matter, Fahmi said any new law to replace the Universities and University Colleges Act 1971 (Auku) would focus on the administration and management of universities and university colleges, while excluding student affairs.
“The Prime Minister stressed that although there may be a need to introduce or draft a new law to govern certain administrative and management aspects of universities and university colleges, matters involving students should not be included in such legislation, as existing laws, including those involving the police, already apply.
“The Higher Education Minister has informed us that the aspects that need to be addressed concern the administration of universities and university colleges as institutions of higher education.
“This will be given priority in any Bill that replaces certain aspects currently covered under Auku,” Fahmi said.
On Aug 16, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim gave the assurance that Auku would be fully repealed without introducing any new laws that restrict or suppress student freedom, with the matter to be raised at the Cabinet level.
