PUTRAJAYA, Aug 20 (Bernama) -- The Cabinet has approved 17 recommendations to strengthen security controls, screening and risk management at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) and the country's international entry points.
The Home Ministry (KDN) and the Ministry of Transport (MOT) said the recommendations are contained in the KDN and MOT Joint Memorandum that was presented at the Cabinet meeting yesterday.
The overall implementation of the 17 recommendations also includes medium and long-term actions, with the medium-term phase focusing on the development of technology, assets and human resources.
"The long-term phase involves system transformation, information sharing and good governance, as well as expanding its implementation to international entry points nationwide based on the risks and suitability at each location,” the two ministries said in a joint statement today.
As a quick-win measure, six actions will be prioritised to strengthen existing security controls, namely risk-based targeted screening by enhancing inspections of flights, passengers, crew members and luggage identified as at risk.
Another measure is e-Vetting and access control, namely examining and strengthening security screening procedures for flight crews, airline staff, ground operations and handling personnel, airport operator employees, vendors, contractors and other individuals who require access to restricted security areas.
The third measure involves drug screening of flight personnel to strengthen the implementation of pre-employment, periodic and random screening of pilots, cabin crew and related staff.
The other three immediate actions outlined are increasing the security team's physical presence; coordinating and sharing security information; and establishing a KDN-MOT Technical Committee.
"These six immediate measures are priority implementations under the short-term phase and part of the comprehensive action plan that is formulated to strengthen security control integrity at KLIA and the country's international entry points.
"This action plan was formulated following several incidents that raised concerns about the integrity of the country's security controls.
"This includes the arrest of a Malaysian in Indonesia for suspected involvement in drug smuggling, as well as several high-profile security incidents that require comprehensive improvements to the control system at the country's entry points,” added the ministries.
The KDN and MOT said KLIA would be the first location for the plan's implementation, before it is gradually expanded to other international entry points based on the threat level, operational requirements and suitability of each location.
"The government, through KDN and MOT, remains committed to ensuring each recommendation is implemented professionally, with integrity and based on the law, by taking into account the rights of individuals, data protection and the interests of passengers and the aviation industry.
"This will strengthen national security, enhance the integrity of international gateways and maintain the confidence of the people, tourists and the international aviation community in Malaysia’s security system,” the KDN and MOT added.
Yesterday, MADANI Government spokesman Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil said the Cabinet had approved a comprehensive plan to strengthen controls at the country’s entry points for immediate action.
Airport security came under scrutiny following several cases involving Malaysians, including the recent arrest of a Malaysian pilot with about 25 kilogramme (kg) of MDMA at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Indonesia.
The overall implementation of the 17 recommendations also includes medium and long-term actions, with the medium-term phase focusing on the development of technology, assets and human resources.
"The long-term phase involves system transformation, information sharing and good governance, as well as expanding its implementation to international entry points nationwide based on the risks and suitability at each location,” the two ministries said in a joint statement today.
As a quick-win measure, six actions will be prioritised to strengthen existing security controls, namely risk-based targeted screening by enhancing inspections of flights, passengers, crew members and luggage identified as at risk.
Another measure is e-Vetting and access control, namely examining and strengthening security screening procedures for flight crews, airline staff, ground operations and handling personnel, airport operator employees, vendors, contractors and other individuals who require access to restricted security areas.
The third measure involves drug screening of flight personnel to strengthen the implementation of pre-employment, periodic and random screening of pilots, cabin crew and related staff.
The other three immediate actions outlined are increasing the security team's physical presence; coordinating and sharing security information; and establishing a KDN-MOT Technical Committee.
"These six immediate measures are priority implementations under the short-term phase and part of the comprehensive action plan that is formulated to strengthen security control integrity at KLIA and the country's international entry points.
"This action plan was formulated following several incidents that raised concerns about the integrity of the country's security controls.
"This includes the arrest of a Malaysian in Indonesia for suspected involvement in drug smuggling, as well as several high-profile security incidents that require comprehensive improvements to the control system at the country's entry points,” added the ministries.
The KDN and MOT said KLIA would be the first location for the plan's implementation, before it is gradually expanded to other international entry points based on the threat level, operational requirements and suitability of each location.
"The government, through KDN and MOT, remains committed to ensuring each recommendation is implemented professionally, with integrity and based on the law, by taking into account the rights of individuals, data protection and the interests of passengers and the aviation industry.
"This will strengthen national security, enhance the integrity of international gateways and maintain the confidence of the people, tourists and the international aviation community in Malaysia’s security system,” the KDN and MOT added.
Yesterday, MADANI Government spokesman Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil said the Cabinet had approved a comprehensive plan to strengthen controls at the country’s entry points for immediate action.
Airport security came under scrutiny following several cases involving Malaysians, including the recent arrest of a Malaysian pilot with about 25 kilogramme (kg) of MDMA at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Indonesia.