Saifuddin: KLIA scanners not the issue, screening gap lies in SOPs

 

Baggage screening at KLIA. -- NSTP FILEPIC

PUTRAJAYA: Scanning machines at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) are fully capable of detecting contraband such as drugs, but screening protocols have prioritised weapons detection, says Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.

This follows reports that a Malaysian pilot was arrested in Jakarta for allegedly smuggling 70,000 ecstasy pills and methamphetamine into Indonesia.

Saifuddin said baggage screening at KLIA was conducted by Aviation Security, assisted by auxiliary police from Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd, in line with international standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organisation.

He said current screening protocols placed greater emphasis on detecting weapons, including firearms, sharp objects and explosives, resulting in a gap in detecting contraband despite the machines being technically capable of doing so.

"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.

"It is just that the scope of screening has focused more on weapons. So even when contraband is detected, this is an area for improvement, particularly in terms of the expertise of officers conducting the checks," he said.

He was speaking at the Star City FC Tour Send-off Ceremony at Putrajaya Square here.

Saifuddin said the government remained open to adopting more advanced screening equipment despite the high detection capability of existing machines.

"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. - NST