KUALA LUMPUR: Experts have called for increased security measures at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) terminals following the shooting incident that happened earlier this morning.
HELP University Institute of Crime and Criminology director Datuk Seri Akhbar Satar said that besides reviewing the current security procedure, it is high time that the airport security personnel were trained in basic behavioural analysis and detection.
Akhbar said this allows trained officers to observe individuals' behaviours, body language, and interactions to identify potential threats that need further investigation.
He also calls for the use of technology such as facial recognition systems for a long term approach as it allows authorities to verify suspicious individuals where they will receive appropriate level of risk-based screening.
"On top of that, an omnipresence of security officers at the airport that are more alert and professional and not just stand all-day is also needed.
"It is also important to strengthen procedures to issue gun licences by means of thorough background checks."
This, he said, as the purpose of a gun is to neutralise threats and deter aggressors where its handler must be mentally stable.
Crime analyst Kamal Affandi Hashim said the incident demonstrates that any premise can be chosen as a location for potential criminals to commit their crimes.
"However, such understanding also obscures a more crucial element, namely the advanced knowledge of the target's movements known by the criminals."
As such, Kamal said that an increased presence of security personnel and several other enhanced security measures must be taken.
"To prevent such incidents, increasing the presence of security personnel, using weapon-detecting dogs, and improving the efficiency of closing exit routes from the terminal, can be considered.
"However, there is no need to restrict the movement of the public from entering open areas such as the arrival and departure halls," he said.
Earlier today, a bodyguard was seriously injured after being shot at KLIA's Terminal 1.
Selangor police chief Datuk Hussein Omar Khan in a statement said the incident occurred at 1.30am this morning at the arrival hall of the airport.
LINK: (https://www.nst.com.my/news/crime-courts/2024/04/1037549/klia-shooting-i... )
Meanwhile, Federal Police Criminal Investigation Department director Datuk Seri Mohd Shuhaily Mohd Zain said security measures at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) Terminal 1 will be reviewed.
He said his presence at the airport today was to discuss the security measures.
"Bukit Aman is viewing this incident seriously as it occurred at the country's entry point.
"This was not the first time such an incident happened, therefore the existing security measures will be reviewed thoroughly.
"We will sit down and review the security arrangement," he told a press conference held at the airport earlier today.
