Experts call for stronger coordination on airport security
PETALING JAYA: The move to strengthen security at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) and international entry points is welcomed, but the Malaysia Border Control and Protection Agency (AKPS) should be given the lead role in coordinating the multi-agency approach, experts say.
Experts also warn that measures alone will not be sufficient if wrongdoings from within are not curbed.
Crime analyst and criminologist Datuk Shahul Hamid Abd Rahim said a clear command and coordination structure was needed to ensure government agencies such as the Immigration Department, Customs Department, police and airport security did not operate in silos.
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“The most obvious reason why we recommend AKPS as the lead agency is because it already oversees Customs and Immigration, as well as security matters.
“AKPS is also under the Home Ministry, so security and border- control matters fall under the same ministry.
“Therefore, AKPS should appropriately be designated as the lead agency to coordinate and oversee the management of people entering and leaving the airport,” he said when contacted.
Shahul Hamid said the move would facilitate better coordination among the agencies involved and ensure security and border-control measures were implemented in an integrated manner.
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He said the 17 recommendations approved by the Cabinet should also be translated into measurable action rather than remain merely on paper.
“There must be a timeline, responsible agencies and performance indicators that can be audited to determine whether each recommendation is actually implemented.
“The important thing is intelligence sharing between agencies must be strengthened,” he said.
Shahul Hamid also described insider threats as one of the most difficult challenges, as those involved would already have legitimate access to systems and understand security procedures and potential weaknesses.
He said e-vetting should not be a one-off process conducted when a person starts work, but should be supported by continuous security assessments and regular checks.
Meanwhile, Universiti Malaya criminologist Dr Haezreena Begum Abdul Hamid said e-vetting, drug screening and increased security presence were important preventive measures but insufficient to tackle insider threats.
“The real challenge is not having the 17 recommendations, but how far they are implemented, monitored and assessed for effectiveness.
“There must be intelligence sharing between agencies, regular security audits, the use of technology to detect unusual activities and follow-up action on every weakness identified,” she said.
Haezreena said continuous screening and monitoring were particularly important for those with access to restricted areas, baggage, cargo, IT systems and sensitive information.
She also agreed that AKPS should serve as the lead coordinating agency, but stressed this should not mean taking over the functions of the police, Customs, National Anti-Drug Agency (AADK) or other agencies.
“Each agency should retain its respective expertise, while AKPS ensures information is shared, actions are coordinated and each of the 17 recommendations has a responsible party and a clear implementation timeframe,” she said.
On Wednesday, the Cabinet approved 17 recommendations to strengthen security controls, screening and risk management at KLIA and the country’s international entry points.
Six immediate “Quick Wins” include risk-based targeted screenings, strengthened e-vetting and access controls, enhanced drug screenings, increased security presence, increased security information sharing and the establishment of a Home Ministry-Transport Ministry technical committee.
KLIA will serve as the pilot’s location before the measures are progressively expanded to other international entry points based on threat levels, operational requirements and the suitability of each location.
