22/08/2026

SATURDAY | AUG 22, 2026

3 MAHB welcomes pat-down screening

o Measure at airports provides additional deterrent alongside handheld metal detectors, says airport operator

It multi-agency arrangement would allow relevant authorities to carry out their responsibilities according to their respective expertise while enabling the airport operator to focus on its core mandate of ensuring safe, secure and efficient airport operations. On Thursday, Madani government spokesman Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil said the Cabinet had approved a comprehensive plan to strengthen controls at the country’s entry points with immediate action. Airport security came under scrutiny after several cases involving Malaysians, including the recent arrest of a Malaysian pilot with about 25kg of drugs at the Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Indonesia. said the

Immigration Command Centre and the joint Home Ministry-Transport Ministry Technical Committee would facilitate more coordinated implementation, the statement added. The approach also involves designated liaison officers from the Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency, Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia, Customs Department, Immigration Department, police as well as MAHB. MAHB said aviation security would continue to safeguard civil aviation operations against acts of unlawful interference or attempted threats that could jeopardise aviation and air transport safety, including passengers carrying firearms.

address a longstanding challenge in managing airport security, particularly when issues cut across the duties of multiple agencies. “For many years, national security matters have required us to respond to challenges that extend beyond the airport operator’s core mandate. This coordinated approach provides much-needed clarity on roles and responsibilities, ensuring that each agency can bring its respective authority and expertise to bear.” He said MAHB remains committed to working alongside the government and enforcement agencies to safeguard the country’s gateways, Bernama reported. The clearer division of roles and accountability among implementing agencies through the National

PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) has welcomed the resumption of targeted physical pat-down screening at Malaysian airports as part of the government’s move to strengthen security at entry points. The airport operator said in a statement that the measure, where warranted based on risk assessment, would provide an additional deterrent alongside handheld metal detectors.

In addition to the deployment of K9 units by police and the Customs Department, the move would complement existing functions of aviation security. MAHB is also enhancing existing security measures through the deployment of improved screening equipment at the KL International Airport and other regional airports. Its managing director Datuk Mohd Izani Ghani said the coordinated approach would

Measures to protect safety of civil aviation system PUTRAJAYA: The Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) has introduced enhanced regulatory measures to strengthen fitness-for duty requirements and prevent alcohol and drug abuse among aviation personnel performing safety-critical functions. testing, conduct immediate reasonable suspicion testing when there are indicators of possible impairment, and review recruitment, background verification and recurrent screening processes for personnel holding security passes.” controls, screening and risk management at the KL International Airport and the country’s international entry points.

Merit points for activities at prison schools mulled

As a quick-win measure, six actions will be prioritised to strengthen existing security controls, namely risk-based targeted screening by enhancing inspections of flights, passengers, crew members and luggage identified as a risk item. Another measure involves drug screening of flight personnel to strengthen the implementation of pre-employment, periodic and random screening of pilots, cabin crew and related staff. CAAM CEO Kapt Datuk Norazman Mahmud said in the same statement that the enhanced measures demonstrate the proactive approach of CAAM to addressing emerging risks and reinforcing safeguards in the aviation sector. “Safety-critical personnel carry a significant responsibility in ensuring the safety of every flight.” – Bernama

KAJANG: The Education Ministry will look into awarding merit points for participation in co-curricular activities, including sports, to students at prison institutions as consideration for university admission. Its minister Fadhlina Sidek said the move is important to ensure that such students have the opportunity to pursue higher education after completing the SPM and leaving the institutions. “The merit they earn can be taken into consideration for them to continue their studies at the next level,” she said when closing the 17th Hijrah Kasih Programme organised by the ministry in collaboration with the Prison Department on Thursday. She said the matter is among improvements being considered by the ministry to ensure that educational opportunities for students at prison institutions do not end after they complete their schooling. She added that the ministry would have discussions with the Technical and Vocational Education and Training division on the possibility of awarding certificates to students who undergo skills training while at prison institutions. She said the students acquire various skills, including sewing and food preparation, which could benefit them when they return to society. Fadhlina said students at schools in prisons had achieved a 100% pass rate in the SPM for two consecutive years, demonstrating that their circumstances do not prevent them from succeeding in education. “This is not about a lack of opportunity. It is not about the place or which school they attend but about their determination.” She said the ministry is also looking at ways to ensure that these students keep pace with developments in education outside, including through digital learning. Education deputy director-general (School Operations Sector) Datuk Zainal Abas said the ministry aims to have Physical, Sports and Co-curricular Assessment scores for students at prison schools recognised this year, enabling SPM candidates from 2027 to receive 10% merit when applying for university admission. He said the ministry is looking into providing teachers at integrity schools and Henry Gurney schools nationwide with access to the Delima (Digital Educational Learning Initiative Malaysia) platform, Bernama reported. He added that the ministry is also studying the possibility of providing controlled access to Delima for students at the institutions so that they could take part in online learning and access educational materials digitally, while ensuring that they have access to learning facilities comparable to those for other students.

CAAM said operators are required to undertake a comprehensive review of their Alcohol and Drug Testing Programme, conduct safety risk assessments relating to alcohol and drug abuse as well as submit declarations of compliance, testing results and corrective action plans to CAAM. “These requirements are supported by enhanced CAAM oversight through risk-based surveillance, unannounced inspections and focused audits on the implementation of alcohol and drug testing requirements. “CAAM will also verify testing records and may require additional testing where safety concerns are identified.” Earlier, the Cabinet had approved 17 recommendations to strengthen security

In a statement, CAAM said the measures were part of its continued commitment to safeguarding the safety, security and integrity of the civil aviation system. On Aug 7, it issued Safety Directive 02/2026 – Strengthening Fitness-for-Duty and Prevention of Alcohol and Drug Misuse to enhance requirements for flight crew and cabin crew performing safety-critical functions. “Among the immediate measures introduced, Malaysian airlines are required to conduct drug testing covering 100% of active flight crew and cabin crew members within the prescribed implementation period. “Operators are also required to increase unannounced random alcohol and drug

Zambry flagging off the Asean University Games Torch Run in Kuala Lumpur yesterday. – PIC COURTESY OF ZAMBRY ABD KADIR FACEBOOK PAGE

Asean University Games Torch Run kicks off KUALA LUMPUR: The Asean University Games 2026 Torch Run kicked off at the Higher Education Ministry in Putrajaya yesterday as a symbol of the spirit of the Malaysian contingent, ahead of the biggest university sports event in the Asean region. Malaysia Kelantan deputy vice-chancellor, at a ceremony held in conjunction with the Higher Education Ministry monthly assembly. Zambry said national athletes must carry the spirit of victory while shouldering the responsibility of upholding Malaysia’s name when competing on the regional stage.

The torch run was also accompanied by four national athletes, namely long jumper Andre Anura Anuar, shot putter Nani Sahirah Maryata, karate athlete Thevendran Kaliana Sundram and taekwondo athlete Lee Hui Yee. Andre and Nani represent Universiti Putra Malaysia, Thevendran represents Universiti Pertahanan Nasional Malaysia while Lee represents Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah Polytechnic. – Bernama

Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir handed the games torch to Malaysian contingent chief Prof Dr Mohammad Ismail, who is also Universiti

“Carry the Malaysian torch and the torch of victory because you are also carrying the torch of our country, Malaysia,” he said.