KUALA LUMPUR – The government will assess the need to upgrade scanning machines at airports nationwide as part of efforts to enhance security and improve baggage screening capabilities, said Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.
He said the government remained open to adopting the latest screening technologies, particularly at the country’s main entry points, in response to evolving security challenges and technological developments, Bernama reported.
Saifuddin Nasution added that existing airport scanning systems were currently operating effectively and were capable of detecting dangerous items and prohibited materials.
“Are we going to remain static with the existing machines going forward? Certainly not, because there are various types of equipment available for airport entry-point screening that are far more advanced and have greater capabilities.
“We are always open to ideas on adopting all types of new equipment,” he said at a press conference after the flag-off ceremony for the Star City FC Tour Convoy here today.
Airport security measures have come under increased scrutiny following several recent incidents involving Malaysians, including the detention of a Malaysian pilot after about 25 kilogrammes of MDMA-type drugs were seized at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Indonesia last week.
Saifuddin Nasution said baggage screening at airports was handled by the Aviation Security (AVSEC) team and conducted according to international standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).
He said the government was also considering expanding the scope of baggage screening to improve the detection of prohibited items, including attempts to smuggle drugs.
“From the perspective of the screening scope, the focus (currently) is more on weaponry than contraband. We see this as one of the areas for improvement that we need to focus on, in line with the expertise of the officers conducting the screening,” he said.
Meanwhile, Saifuddin Nasution said he and agencies under the Home Ministry would hold a special meeting tomorrow to review the implementation of a comprehensive plan aimed at strengthening security controls at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA).
“Home Ministry and Transport Ministry have been asked to submit a comprehensive improvement plan aimed at mitigating incidents in terms of operations, equipment and manpower,” he said.
Earlier, Saifuddin Nasution said the Cabinet had directed the Home Ministry and Transport Ministry to submit the comprehensive KLIA security improvement plan within two weeks.
He said the directive was issued following government concerns over the latest incident, which could potentially affect Malaysia’s reputation and create perceptions of weaknesses in the airport’s security control system. – August 9, 2026