Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) has scanning systems capable of detecting drugs and other prohibited items, but existing screening procedures have placed greater emphasis on identifying weapons, Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said.
His remarks came after a Malaysian pilot was reportedly arrested in Jakarta for allegedly attempting to smuggle 70,000 ecstasy pills and methamphetamine into Indonesia.
Saifuddin explained that baggage screening at KLIA is carried out by Aviation Security with assistance from auxiliary police personnel from Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd, in accordance with standards established by the International Civil Aviation Organisation.
He said the current procedures are primarily designed to identify threats such as firearms, sharp weapons and explosives, creating room for improvement in detecting contraband even though the scanning machines themselves are technically capable of identifying such substances.
“This is a contraband incident. It is not a shortfall in terms of scanning machines.
“We were briefed by Malaysia Border Control and Protection Agency director-general Datuk Seri Mohd Shuhaily Mohd Zain that our scanning machines have full capability,” he said.
According to Saifuddin, the issue lies more in the scope of screening and the expertise required by officers to identify prohibited substances when they are detected during the checking process.
He said authorities would need to strengthen the expertise and capabilities of personnel involved in airport screening to close the existing gap and improve the effectiveness of checks.
Saifuddin was speaking at the Star City FC Tour Send-off Ceremony at Putrajaya Square.
Meanwhile, he said the government was not ruling out the introduction of more advanced airport screening technology, despite the existing machines already possessing high detection capabilities.
“Will we remain static with the existing machines going forward? Certainly not.
“There is a wide range of more advanced equipment for airport entry screening systems with much higher capabilities, so we are always open to adopting new types of equipment,” he said.
