KOTA KINABALU, Aug 12 — The relevant agencies have been called on to undertake a comprehensive security audit of Kota Kinabalu International Airport (KKIA).

In making the call, Kapayan assemblyman Chin Teck Ming proposed that the review should include, among others, the adequacy of passenger screening procedures; baggage screening technology and detection capability; intelligence-led passenger risk assessment; as well as random and secondary screening procedures.

Chin suggested the audit should also include staffing levels during operational hours; training and competency of screening personnel; coordination among all enforcement agencies operating at KKIA; and whether additional manpower, equipment, and technology are required to meet the highest international aviation security standards.

He called for the findings to be made public so that Sabahans and all Malaysians can be assured that the international gateway continues to operate at the highest level of security.

According to him, security failures are often recognised only after disaster strikes and urged the government not wait for tragedy before taking action.

“They identify vulnerabilities early, strengthen their systems, and eliminate weaknesses before innocent lives are placed at risk. The recent arrests should therefore be treated as a serious warning,” Chin said, citing the recent series of drug-smuggling cases involving Malaysian travellers arrested upon arrival overseas.

He stressed the need to ensure that every possible weakness is identified and rectified before it can be exploited.

“The travelling public deserves confidence that every reasonable measure has been taken to protect them. When it comes to aviation security, ‘good enough’ is never good enough.

“Airport security is not merely a law enforcement issue. It is a matter of national security.

“Any weakness that can be exploited to smuggle drugs today may equally be exploited tomorrow to transport firearms, explosives or materials capable of facilitating acts of terrorism,” added Chin.

On Monday, New Straits Times reported that a Malaysian arriving from Bangkok was detained for allegedly attempting to smuggle more than 4kg of hydroponic cannabis through Chennai International Airport in India.

On Aug 4, Bernama reported another Malaysian was arrested in Indonesia for allegedly attempting to smuggle nearly 1kg of methamphetamine and more than 1,000 ecstasy pills concealed beneath a corset through Juanda International Airport in East Java after arriving from Kuala Lumpur.

Last month, a Malaysian pilot was arrested in Jakarta for allegedly smuggling in 26kg of MDMA while on the job and under the influence of drugs. — The Borneo Post