The government is set to enhance aviation security measures following the detention of a Malaysia Airlines (MAS) co-pilot in Jakarta over alleged drug-related offences.
Communications Minister Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil said the Cabinet had received briefings from the Home Ministry and Transport Ministry on the incident, with several measures being considered to prevent similar security breaches in the future.
Among the proposed improvements is a review of security arrangements at airports, including the possible involvement of police personnel alongside aviation security teams, which are currently supported by auxiliary police.
Fahmi said Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG) would also be required to reassess its background screening procedures and health checks for pilots and co-pilots following the incident.
“The company needs to review its screening and health assessment processes for flight crew while taking into account what happened in Jakarta,” he said during a post-Cabinet meeting press conference today.
He added that police and relevant agencies would conduct further assessments to identify possible weaknesses within the aviation security system and ensure any loopholes are addressed.
However, Fahmi said the government would wait for a complete report as investigations into the case in Indonesia are still ongoing.
“We have only received an initial briefing from the Transport Ministry and the Home Ministry. Since the investigation in Indonesia is still active, we need time to examine the full report.
“We need to determine who else may be involved. Those responsible must face legal action, while comprehensive improvements must be implemented to prevent similar incidents,” he said.
Fahmi added that further decisions would be made after the government receives the complete findings of the investigation.
