SELANGOR MCA Youth has called for the expansion of anti-narcotics K9 units at all border entry points.
“While the government has approved 17 recommendations to strengthen security at the country’s entry points, clear timelines and immediate action are necessary to strengthen Malaysia’s security rather than having to wait more than two years for long-term technological upgrades,” said Selangor MCA Youth chief Tan Jie Sen in a statement.
“MCA Youth proposes expanding specialised anti-narcotics K9 units to cover not only international airports but also domestic airports, private jet terminals, seaports, railway stations and land crossings connecting Malaysia with Singapore, Thailand, Brunei and Indonesia.”
Tan said this in reaction following revelation that bag scanners at Kuala Lumpur International Airport and other airports being ill equipped to detect illegal drugs.
Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail has revealed this in a Dewan Rakyat written reply to Batang Sadong MP Rodiyah Sapiee.
“Drug syndicates can exploit less scrutinised routes, rat lanes and enforcement efforts cannot afford to focus on major international terminals alone,” Saifuddin had pointed out.
Tan added that Malaysia had trained K9 dogs performing excellently in various agencies in the past.
Examples include Blake with Fire and Rescue Department assisting in the Batang Kali landslide. Another example is Denti and Frankie that were deployed to support earthquake search and rescue operations in Turkiye in 2023.
He also highlighted that the Australian Border Forces and Hong Kong Customs used dogs with detectors at entry points. In Hong Kong, the canine force detected narcotics and other contrabands.
In addition to the canine squad, the MCA leader wants the government to speed up the installation of “advanced scanners capable of identifying suspicious substances, strengthen intelligence-led and random baggage inspections and tighten security screening for airline crew and airport personnel.”
He added that a multi layered security system combining trained personnel, specialised detection dogs, modern equipment and intelligence-sharing across enforcement agencies is necessary to prevent drug syndicates from exploiting our borders. – 25 Oct, 2026
Main Image: Malay Mail
