Police ready to strengthen national aviation security

PETALING JAYA – The Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) has welcomed the Cabinet's decision on immediate improvements to the country's aviation security controls, including the involvement of its personnel in aviation security (AVSEC) teams.

Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Mohd Khalid Ismail said PDRM is committed to giving its full cooperation to ensure the government's decision succeeds.

He said the force, together with the Home Ministry, the Transport Ministry and related agencies, is currently working out the implementation mechanism.

"This includes the scope of duties, deployment locations, manpower requirements, areas of responsibility as well as operational coordination," he said in a statement today.

Intelligence sharing and early detection

Mohd Khalid said PDRM believes the involvement of police in the aviation security ecosystem will strengthen intelligence sharing, early detection, enforcement coordination and immediate action against any threat or criminal activity seeking to exploit aviation facilities and procedures.

The move, he said, would form part of a more comprehensive and layered security system covering stronger access control, screening procedures, security checks, risk assessment and strategic cooperation among all agencies and stakeholders.

"The implementation of stricter, integrated and risk-based security controls is believed to be capable of strengthening prevention capabilities, reducing risk and closing gaps that could potentially be exploited by irresponsible parties," he said.

He stressed that aviation security and the security of the country's entry and exit points would continue to be a priority.

"PDRM gives its assurance that aviation security and the security of the country's entry and exit points will continue to be given priority. Any attempt to use the aviation industry as a channel for criminal activity will not be compromised," he said. (Quotes translated from Malay.)