LETTERS: It is timely for the authorities to beef up airport security, especially in view of the recent shooting incident at Kuala Lumpur International Airport Terminal 1.
It is always a challenge to ensure safety in places where large numbers of people congregate.
While additional safeguards are being contemplated, we must not forget gun control.
Although gun smuggling is relatively low in Malaysia compared with other countries, thanks to our strict laws and enforcement, even a small number of cases can cause sizeable loss to lives and livelihoods.
We should increase our surveillance and patrols along our porous borders by deploying additional personnel using advanced detection technology.
We must also work with neighbouring countries to share intelligence and coordinate efforts.
Additionally, there must be strict oversight to prevent legally-owned firearms from falling into the wrong hands.
But gun control alone is not enough.
Improving airport security is a multifaceted challenge.
We should invest in surveillance technology, including facial recognition and advanced analytics, to identify suspicious behaviour in real time.
Advancements in artificial intelligence and technology have made strides in recent years, making it possible to identify potential threats in large groups of people.
These can help with crowd management and other security issues in airports, stadiums and public places.
We should educate the public on safety in public places, like launching awareness campaigns, organising community workshops on preparedness and other safety measures, like being aware of quick exit routes, staying alert, and recognising and reporting suspicious behaviour.
TAN SRI LEE LAM THYE
Chairman, Alliance For A Safe Community
The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect those of the New Straits Times
