Police presence at airports to be reviewed after co-pilot drug bust

Malaysian authorities are contemplating immediate security enhancements at airports, including the deployment of Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) officers to work alongside existing Aviation Security (AVSEC) personnel. This review follows the recent arrest of a Malaysia Airlines co-pilot in Indonesia on suspicion of drug smuggling.

Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil, the government's spokesperson, stated that the Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, was briefed on the matter by the Ministry of Home Affairs (KDN) and the Ministry of Transport (MOT). The proposed placement of PDRM officers aims to bolster security, as the current AVSEC teams are composed of auxiliary police.

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Regarding the arrest of a MAS pilot or 'co-pilot' in Jakarta, the Cabinet was informed by KDN and MOT that several improvement measures need to be implemented immediately.

The co-pilot, a 39-year-old, was detained at Terminal 3 of Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Jakarta. Indonesian customs and excise officers detected suspicious items in his luggage during X-ray screening. A subsequent search revealed 14 large packages containing 70,114 ecstasy pills, weighing approximately 25.19 kilograms, along with 2.75 grams of methamphetamine and residue of 0.08 grams of methamphetamine in a glass pipe.

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First, concerning 'aviation security,' Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) personnel need to be stationed because, at the moment, the team managing it is from the auxiliary police.

Fahmi, who is also the Minister of Communications, indicated that KDN and PDRM have been tasked with examining potential vulnerabilities and any existing gaps in the current security system that could be exploited. Additionally, Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG) has been requested to review its background and health screening protocols for pilots and co-pilots.

While the government awaits a full report on the incident, particularly as the case in Indonesia is ongoing, further actions will be considered. "We need to know who else might be involved. Those involved must be brought to justice, and comprehensive measures must be taken to ensure loopholes are closed immediately," Fahmi added. The focus is on understanding the full scope of the issue and implementing robust measures to prevent future occurrences.

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We need to know who else might be involved. Those involved must be brought to justice, and comprehensive measures must be taken to ensure loopholes are closed immediately.