YOURSAY | ‘KLIA does not merely need newer machines; it needs people who know how to use them.’
COMMENT | Border integrity crisis: Why does KLIA keep falling short?
Apanama is back: If one observes closely, our X-ray machines are older technology. Most major airports today use computed tomography (CT) machines, which generate 3D volumetric images similar to medical CT scans and create detailed digital models of bag contents rather than traditional 2D flat X-ray views.
With 2D X-ray technology, our airport may miss concealed items and later blame the machine. Cantik!
However, Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution mentioned upgrading the machines while suggesting that officers’ current level of intelligence remains a concern.
Excellent! The issue is not merely the technology but the people operating it. No matter how advanced the technology is, without properly trained and competent officers, we could still end up back at square one.
I searched for information about the qualifications required of airport security officers and was shocked to find that there appears to be little emphasis on raising their qualifications.
To qualify as an airport security or Aviation Security officer at KLIA, candidates generally must be Malaysian citizens aged 18 to 35, have at least an SPM qualification with credits in Bahasa Melayu and English, meet specific physical requirements, and complete specialised screening and tactical training.
But initial training is not enough. There should be continuous training in the use of the latest screening technology, behavioural detection, risk assessment, and passenger profiling.
Without this, how can officers develop the professional judgement needed to identify suspicious behaviour and know when to conduct further checks?
Moreover, the training described appears to focus heavily on general security and enforcement matters, including police laws, civil aviation regulations, self-defence, and firearms handling. But where is the specialised training in detecting threats at an international airport?
KLIA does not merely need newer machines. It needs highly trained officers who know how to use them.
Mano: Will we ever acknowledge and address our weaknesses instead of blaming the machines?
We will, if our leadership is genuinely committed to building a clean, transparent, and integrity-driven government. But are we?
From government to government, the pattern appears to remain the same. When a crisis erupts, we issue statements to calm public anger and appease the people.
Then, once the attention dies down, we return to square one - sometimes in an even worse situation.
We also see highly placed officials making bold declarations, promising to investigate the matter “sampai lubang cacing” (to the very bottom).
There is plenty of drama and tough talk, but once the public spotlight fades, so does the urgency. How often have we seen this same modus operandi?
The real problem is not just outdated machines or individual failures. It is a system that repeatedly fails to learn from its mistakes and hold those responsible accountable.
We should be ashamed that the same problems keep recurring.
Mazhilamani: How many remember the incident when a Malaysian menteri besar allegedly walked through an airport with a bag containing foreign currency, only to be arrested and questioned by Australian airport officers?
There appears to be a culture where the bags and hand luggage of ministers, dignitaries, and well-known politicians are treated with excessive deference and waved through. Only God knows what assets may have been transferred overseas as a result.
The problem with some of our enforcement officers is their deferential attitude towards the titled and orang kaya. Airport officers in some other countries appear more independent and take greater pride in carrying out their duties without fear or favour.
Unfortunately, our enforcement officers can appear tough when dealing with ordinary citizens but less so when dealing with the powerful and well-connected.
I don’t expect this entrenched culture to change easily, even after the recent arrest of Malaysian pilots in connection with alleged drug smuggling.
Our problem is bigger than airport security. It reflects a culture of deference and selective enforcement that has permeated many areas of government administration.
MarioT: Simple - get the best person for the job and give them a free hand to implement effective security and border controls. There should be no room for failure, compromise, or interference.
Border security is too important to be compromised by political considerations or racial preferences. Positions involving national security should be based on competence, experience, and integrity, regardless of race.
It is time to put the most qualified person in charge and give them the authority to do the job properly. When it comes to protecting our borders, merit and competence must come before everything else.
Steven Ong: Be honest and brave if we want to build a better Malaysia. We cannot keep ignoring criticism and complaints when they are raised in the hope of creating a better, more peaceful country.
Many of Malaysia’s problems are linked to employment policies that do not sufficiently prioritise merit, competence, and productivity.
Most advanced and developing countries recognise that hiring the best people, regardless of background, is essential to improving efficiency and productivity.
Malaysia will continue to face problems and fall behind countries that uphold democratic principles and provide fair opportunities to all their citizens if we fail to embrace meritocracy.
Ultimately, the power lies with Malaysians. We can replace an incompetent or ineffective government, but too many voters may choose to prioritise self-interest and personal benefit over the country.
If we want change, we must also be willing to take responsibility for the choices we make at the ballot box.
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