Government to Deploy Police Personnel to Aviation Security Following Pilot’s RM45 Million Drug Arrest

PUTRAJAYA, Aug 5 — The Malaysian government will deploy Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) personnel to staff the Aviation Security (AVSEC) unit as an immediate measure to bolster airport security controls, MADANI Government spokesman Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil announced today.

Speaking at his weekly press conference, the Communications Minister stated that the security enhancement proposal was submitted jointly by the Home Ministry and the Transport Ministry during today’s Cabinet meeting following the arrest of a Malaysian pilot in Indonesia on drug trafficking charges.

Fahmi explained that under current operational frameworks, airport security is managed primarily by auxiliary police officers rather than active PDRM personnel.

“The Cabinet was informed by KDN and MOT that several immediate improvements need to be implemented. Firstly, the Aviation Security (AVSEC) unit should be staffed by Royal Malaysia Police personnel. At present, the unit is managed by auxiliary police personnel,” Fahmi said.

In addition to restructuring AVSEC personnel, the government will direct Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG) to conduct a comprehensive review of its background screening protocols and health assessment procedures for pilots and co-pilots following recent incidents. Furthermore, PDRM and the Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency (AKPS) have been instructed to audit existing security systems to identify and seal any vulnerabilities that could be exploited.

Addressing questions regarding the potential formation of a special investigation team, Fahmi noted that the government will review the complete report before deciding on further action.

“At this point, we have only received an oral briefing from the Transport Minister and the Home Minister. Since the case in Indonesia is still active, we need some time to study the full report,” Fahmi stated. “We will examine it and consider the follow-up actions. We need to know who else may have been involved. Those responsible must be brought to justice, and we need to take comprehensive measures to ensure these loopholes are closed immediately.”

The security crackdown follows the arrest of a 39-year-old Malaysian pilot by Indonesian authorities at Terminal 3 of Soekarno-Hatta International Airport after attempting to smuggle 25 kilograms of narcotics. Inspections conducted by the Indonesian National Police (POLRI) uncovered 15 packages containing 70,114 ecstasy and methamphetamine capsules, estimated to be worth RM45 million on the Indonesian market.

–NMT