KUALA LUMPUR: Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing has called for a comprehensive overhaul of Malaysia’s airport security system, saying concerns he had repeatedly raised over the past three years were consistently dismissed despite growing vulnerabilities.

Speaking after a high-level meeting involving senior officials from Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad (MAHB), its Aviation Security Division (AVSEC), the Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency (AKPS), and the officer-in-charge of the KLIA District Police Headquarters, Tiong said immediate action is needed to strengthen airport security and border control.

The meeting reviewed airport security protocols, border screening procedures and inter-agency coordination following a recent Cabinet decision to reassess airport security arrangements, including the role of auxiliary police and the broader involvement of the Royal Malaysia Police.

Tiong said he supported the government’s move and urged enforcement agencies to implement corrective measures without delay.

He stressed that airports serve as Malaysia’s gateway to the world and are often the first point of contact for international visitors, making robust security essential to protecting the country’s reputation as a safe and trusted destination.

Pilot Drug Case Raises Serious Concerns

Tiong said the recent case involving a Malaysian commercial pilot suspected of drug trafficking had raised significant public concern, particularly following reports that the pilot tested positive for drugs.

He said regardless of whether the pilot was on duty at the time or the eventual outcome of legal proceedings, the case highlighted serious questions about oversight within the aviation sector.

According to Tiong, public confidence depends on the assurance that individuals entrusted with public safety, including pilots and public transport operators, are subject to stringent screening, supervision and professional standards.

He called for a review of recruitment practices, background checks, operational supervision, monitoring of high-risk positions and professional conduct across the aviation industry.

Stronger Coordination Needed

Tiong said border security should not rely on a single agency, but instead require close cooperation among the Royal Malaysia Police, Royal Malaysian Customs Department, AKPS, MAHB and other enforcement authorities.

He said intelligence sharing, joint risk assessments and coordinated operations are essential in strengthening Malaysia’s first line of defence against drug trafficking.

Criticism of Political Responses

Tiong also criticised some politicians and Malaysian Pilots’ Association (MAPA) president Abdul Manan for focusing on political accountability rather than addressing systemic weaknesses exposed by the recent case.

He said assigning blame would not improve airport security or prevent similar incidents in the future.

“This is not about defending any individual. If a crime has been committed, the law should take its course. If weaknesses exist within the system, they must be identified and corrected,” he said.

Earlier Warnings Repeatedly Raised

Tiong said that since being appointed the Prime Minister’s Special Envoy to East Asia, he had repeatedly alerted MAHB to vulnerabilities following several drug trafficking cases involving flights from Malaysia to Taiwan.

He said his concerns covered airport security, border control, drug trafficking risks and the operational readiness of frontline personnel.

However, he claimed those warnings were repeatedly downplayed, with authorities maintaining that existing security measures were adequate.

Tiong also said he had consistently highlighted manpower shortages among frontline security officers, enforcement personnel and operational staff over the past three years.

According to him, MAHB acknowledged during the recent meeting that staffing shortages had become severe enough for some security positions to remain vacant when employees took medical leave.

He said the acknowledgement confirmed that concerns raised previously reflected genuine structural weaknesses in manpower planning and operational resilience.

Nevertheless, Tiong stressed that manpower shortages alone could not explain serious security breaches.

“Any insider who has compromised the security of the country’s gateways must face the full force of the law,” he said.

Improving Passenger Experience

In addition to security issues, Tiong said the meeting also discussed improving airport operational efficiency.

He urged relevant agencies to review existing boarding procedures and consider measures such as earlier access to waiting areas and boarding where operationally feasible, provided safety and security standards are maintained.

He said reducing unnecessary delays would improve the passenger experience, ease pressure on airlines and strengthen Malaysia’s image as an efficient international aviation hub.

Tiong added that operational excellence and strong security must go hand in hand to maintain public confidence and safeguard Malaysia’s international reputation.