SEPANG: Malaysia Airports has welcomed the government’s comprehensive plan to strengthen security at the country’s airports through a coordinated multi-agency approach.
The airport operator said clearer roles and accountability among agencies would allow each body to execute responsibilities based on expertise, enabling Malaysia Airports to focus on core operations.
It noted that arrangements involving the National Immigration Command Centre (NICC) and the Joint Home Ministry-Transport Ministry Technical Committee would support coordinated border security measures.
Designated liaison officers from the Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency (AKPS), Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM), police, Customs Department, and Immigration Department will collaborate with airport security functions.
"AVSEC will continue to contribute through its established responsibility of safeguarding civil aviation operations against acts of unlawful interference or attempted threats that may jeopardise the safety of civil aviation and air transport, such as passengers carrying firearms on board," it said in a statement on Thursday (Aug 20).
Malaysia Airports also welcomed the decision to allow targeted physical pat-down screening to resume where warranted based on risk assessments.
It said physical screening provides an additional deterrent alongside handheld metal detectors.
The deployment of K9 units by the police and Customs Department was also highlighted as a complementary measure to existing security functions.
Additionally, Malaysia Airports is deploying enhanced screening equipment across KL International Airport and regional airports to strengthen baseline controls.
Malaysia Airports managing director Datuk Mohd Izani Ghani said the coordinated approach addresses long-standing operational challenges across agency mandates.
"For many years, national security matters have required us to respond to challenges that extend beyond the airport operator's core mandate.
"This coordinated approach provides much-needed clarity on roles and responsibilities, ensuring that each agency can bring its respective authority and expertise to bear.
"We remain fully committed to playing our part and working alongside the government and enforcement agencies to safeguard the country's gateways," he said.
Malaysia Airports added that ongoing engagement with enforcement authorities ensures alignment and operational support for the enhanced security measures.
