MALAYSIA is set to tighten scrutiny of baggage screening at airports and explore more advanced detection equipment as the government moves to plug potential gaps in efforts to detect contraband.
Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said the review would cover the scope of existing inspections, the capability of screening officers and the possible deployment of newer technology.
He said current baggage checks, conducted by Aviation Security (AVSEC) personnel and auxiliary police from Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad (MAHB), were primarily focused on weapons in accordance with International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) standards.
“Baggage inspections are carried out by AVSEC and auxiliary police from Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad (MAHB), with priority given to inspections in accordance with international airport screening standards under the ICAO.
“So, the priority is more on weapons. Firearms, sharp weapons, bombs and all sorts of things. This is a case involving contraband,” he said when met by reporters after officiating the departure ceremony for the Star City FC – The Pride of the North 2026 tour today.
Saifuddin said existing scanners were already highly capable of detecting various items, but the focus of inspections meant contraband detection required greater attention.
“The scanning machines are not lacking in any way. We have been informed and briefed. I was briefed by the Director-General of the Border Control and Protection Agency (MCBA), Datuk Seri Mohd Shuhaily Mohd Zain.
“Our scanning machines have all the capabilities. But from the perspective of the scope of inspections, the focus is more on weapons-related elements. So, although contraband can also be detected, 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 inspections,” he said.
He said the effectiveness of screening also depended on the officers operating the equipment, making personnel capability another area requiring attention.
Saifuddin said Malaysia would not rule out upgrading its scanners, noting that airport security technology was constantly advancing.
“As for the existing scanning machines, the ones I had the opportunity to see previously, even before this incident, they are machines with high capabilities that are able to detect items.
“However, certainly, the officer who operates the machine is another matter. But are we going to remain static with the existing machines going forward? Certainly not.
“Because outside there, in the airport entry-point screening system, there are various types of equipment that are far more advanced and have much greater capabilities. So, we are always open to the idea of adopting all kinds of new equipment,” he said.
He said the government would examine the entire screening process to determine where weaknesses lay and identify immediate measures to strengthen enforcement.
The review comes as authorities seek to ensure that airport security measures remain capable of detecting not only conventional threats such as firearms, sharp weapons and explosives, but also a wider range of contraband. - August 9, 2026
