Malaysia to buy high-tech scanning machines from China
KOTA KINABALU: Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA) President Datuk Tan Kok Liang welcomes the statement made by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi in Beijing that Malaysia will be acquiring high-tech scanning machines capable of detecting drugs and weapons hidden in containers and vehicles.
Reacting to the announcement, Tan said apart from enhancing security and curbing smuggling, visitors too would have a more pleasant experience entering or exiting our border checkpoints, such as at airports where security cannot be compromised.
"We should not have manual pat-down, as those who have travelled all over the world without being frisked are particularly annoyed when groped by security officers," the president stressed.
Furthermore, Tan said highly effective scanners would deter those with ill intentions and also indirectly provide passengers travelling through international airports in Malaysia to enjoy the feel-good factor knowing full well that security is top-notch.
"State-of-the-art equipment manned by ever vigilant security officers will certainly boost our country's capabilities in combating transnational crime and counting terrorism, creating a safe and secure environment for our economy and tourism to thrive and prosper," he added.
While in Beijing, the Deputy Prime Minister said that Malaysia had agreed in principle to acquire the scanning machines from China.
"The Chinese have developed a sophisticated scanner capable of detecting drugs, weapons and any kind of items being smuggled in and out of the country," Zahid said.