New airport security measures
Published on: Saturday, September 24, 2016
NEW YORK: Malaysia has introduced new security measures including deploying hi-tech monitoring systems and additional security personnel across international airports in the country.Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Anifah Aman said such move was implemented to address and prevent any possible terrorist acts on its civil aviation following lessons heeded from its two civil aviation tragedies of MH370 and MH17. He said those security measures were necessary to increase their preparedness and to enhance its prevention capacity.
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"We have taken steps to improve information and intelligence sharing through deployment of the Advanced Passenger Information System and the Advance Passenger Screening System to provide early warning and curb possible travel of Foreign Terrorist Fighters, in line with the provisions of Resolution 2178."We have also strengthened the legal and operational framework by revamping the National Security Council (NSC), which has, among its core functions, the assessment and monitoring of terrorist threats and activities in the country."Furthermore, we have also strengthened the legal and operational framework by revamping the NSC, which has among its core functions, the assessment and monitoring of terrorist threats and activities in the country," he said.Anifah said this in his speech during the Security Council High Level Briefing on threats to International Peace and Security caused by terrorists' acts: 'Aviation Security' at the United Nation Security Council (UNSC) meeting in conjunction with the 71st United Nation General Assembly (UNGA), here, on Wednesday.
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In the span of only 4 months, he said Malaysia suffered two civil aviation disasters, namely MH 370 and MH 17 that continue to hang heavy on their hearts as they do on the hearts of the families and loved ones of the victims."We are concerned with the initial instinct or reflex of civil aviation authorities to investigate and determine whether both tragedies were caused by terrorism or other factors.
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"In this respect, the immediate provision of expertise and assistance from international organisations including International Civil Aviation Industry (ICAO) in determining probable causes were, in our view, crucial to dispel the notion that either MH370 or MH17 were brought down by acts of terror."This is because such quick action could help to maintain public perception and confidence over the matters plaguing the two civil aviation tragedies," he said.Anifah reassured all concerned that Malaysia along all their partners remain committed to bringing closure to all outstanding questions on MH370 and MH17."We are most grateful for the encouragement and assistance rendered towards this end by all our partners and friends. Specific to MH17, I wish to reaffirm Malaysia's commitment to implementing the provisions of Council resolution 2166 and count on the support and cooperation of all concerned partners in this regard."I wish to reaffirm Malaysia's unwavering commitment to combatting and eradicating the scourge of terrorism as part of our shared, collective responsibility including through joint, coordinated and concerted efforts at all levels."These efforts must be premised on the full respect of international law including human rights and humanitarian law as well as respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of States," he said.Anifah said the Southeast Asian region through Asean is also prioritising aviation security via the adoption of the AseanTransport Strategic Plan 2016-2025, the key regional policy document on aviation security last December 2015, is an example of increased coordination and cooperation in the region on this issue.Anifah said the global aviation network is an industry that is vast and growing ever more important every day.He said the International Aviation Transport Association (IATA) estimated there are over 5,000 aircrafts that are flying at any given time, carrying over eight million people while transporting 140,000 tonnes of cargo daily and the aviation industry supports over 57 million jobs and generates $2.2 trillion in economic activity."The global economic benefits and significance to human activity today is enormous. As such, the global aviation industry must be protected by measures for safety and security of its passengers. Malaysia shares the view that the global aviation network is an attractive target for international terrorism. Evidence of this is the sharp increase in attempts to disrupt and threaten civil aviation over the past few years."The cold and calculating logic of the terrorists were clearly evident in the attacks against Brussels International Airport and Ataturk International Airport earlier this year where the consequences are devastating – both in terms of lives lost and undermined public confidence."Taken together, both could entail broader negative consequences. With two back-to-back aviation tragedies, Malaysia is acutely aware of the challenges faced in addressing negative public perception and loss of confidence," he said.Against such background, Anifah said Malaysia concurred that threats posed to aviation security by terrorism constitute threats against international peace and security.In this connection, he thanked the United Kingdom for leading the Council on resolution 2309 just adopted by the global leaders in the UNGA held here on Sept 22.The UNSC adopted the first ever resolution 2309 that focused on the threat posed by terrorists to civil aviation named as UNSCR 2309 that demonstrated clear and united resolve to protect all citizens from the escalating threat posed by terrorists to civil aviation."Malaysia is pleased to support and co-sponsor the resolution as it seeks to establish a better and stronger linkage between Council's ongoing counterterrorism work with ICAO's norm and standard setting work.Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express’s Telegram channel.
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