Kota Kinabalu International Airport (KKIA) should be given priority under the Federal Government’s proposed nationwide upgrade of airport scanning systems, particularly following several recent drug-related cases involving Malaysians overseas, said Luyang assemblyman Samuel Wong.
Wong said the recent arrest of a Malaysian pilot after around 25kg of MDMA-type drugs were seized at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Indonesia, along with a separate case involving three Sabah women, should serve as a warning for Malaysia to strengthen security measures at its airports.
He described KKIA as Sabah’s main international gateway and one of Malaysia’s busiest airports, stressing that authorities should take preventive action instead of waiting for a major security incident to occur.
“If the Federal Government is now looking at upgrading scanning machines nationwide, KKIA must be given serious priority. We do not want KKIA to become a transit hub for illegal drugs or other prohibited items,” he said in a statement on Monday.
Wong also welcomed Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail’s announcement that the Government was prepared to explore the use of more advanced airport screening technology.
However, he said the proposed upgrade should not be limited to replacing outdated machines. Instead, he called for a comprehensive review of airport security standard operating procedures, including screening technology, manpower, intelligence sharing, passenger risk profiling, baggage inspections and coordination between enforcement agencies.
“The Government should look at the entire security chain, not just the machine,” he said.
Wong also highlighted concerns over the alleged use of electronic cigarettes and vape devices to conceal dangerous synthetic drugs. He said certain synthetic drug mixtures, reportedly known by street names such as “Piu-piu” or “Piao-piao”, could potentially be hidden inside vape devices or liquids that appear to be ordinary products.
“This presents a different challenge compared with traditional drugs. The item may not look like a conventional packet of drugs or other obvious contraband. It can appear to be an ordinary vape device or vape liquid,” he said.
He stressed that tighter airport security was necessary not only to prevent illegal drugs from entering or passing through Sabah, but also to protect young people and the wider community from increasingly accessible dangerous substances.
“These products can potentially reach our children much more easily because they may look like ordinary vape products. This is why our enforcement approach must evolve alongside the methods used by those involved in drug trafficking,” Wong said.
