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Malaysia to review KLIA security screening SOPs after drug smuggling case
🇲🇾 Malaysia /Crime & Justice

Malaysia to review KLIA security screening SOPs after drug smuggling case

From Utusan Malaysia · () Malay

Translated from Malay, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News From a news agency Under investigation
  • Malaysia's Border Control and Protection Agency (AKPS) will review security screening SOPs at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA).
  • The review follows a drug smuggling case involving a flight crew member from Malaysia detected by Indonesian authorities.
  • AKPS is awaiting a report from the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) on the suspect's modus operandi for concealing drugs.

Malaysia's Border Control and Protection Agency (AKPS) is set to re-examine its standard operating procedures (SOPs) for security screening at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA). This decision comes in the wake of a drug smuggling incident involving a Malaysian flight crew member, which was uncovered by Indonesian authorities.

The suspect went through all the screening processes, and during a routine check using the scanner, the bag carried did not display any suspicious images, thus it passed the screening conducted by airport security.

— Datuk Seri Mohd. Shuhaily Mohd. ZainDescribing how the suspect passed security checks at KLIA.

AKPS Director-General Datuk Seri Mohd. Shuhaily Mohd. Zain stated that the matter was discussed in a special meeting with relevant agencies, including the Ministry of Transport, Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad (MAHB), and the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM). An initial review indicated that the suspect successfully passed all security screenings before boarding the flight to Indonesia on July 28. The suspect's luggage also did not show any suspicious images during the scan at KLIA.

"The suspect went through all the screening processes, and during a routine check using the scanner, the bag carried did not display any suspicious images, thus it passed the screening conducted by airport security," Mohd. Shuhaily explained at a press conference. The agency is currently awaiting feedback from PDRM regarding the suspect's method of concealing MDMA and methamphetamine, which evaded initial detection.

The question of how he managed to pass the screening is still under review, and we are awaiting feedback from PDRM.

— Datuk Seri Mohd. Shuhaily Mohd. ZainAddressing the ongoing investigation into the security breach.

Mohd. Shuhaily added that PDRM is reportedly working to send an officer to collaborate with Indonesian narcotics authorities on the investigation. He assured that KLIA's security screening system operates according to established procedures and was fully utilized in this case. Further discussions will focus on improving the existing system and equipment to enhance national border security and prevent similar incidents.

The modus operandi for smuggling by coating or hiding MDMA and methamphetamine is something we are awaiting from PDRM.

— Datuk Seri Mohd. Shuhaily Mohd. ZainExplaining the need for police input on the smuggling method.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Utusan Malaysia in Malay. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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