Screening process called into question
KOTA KINABALU: The arrest of seven Filipinos suspected of being Abu Sayyaf terrorists, who had worked as security guards in Malaysia, poses serious questions about security checks.
Social activist Nelson Angang said the authorities should look into how the suspects flew over to Kuala Lumpur via Sabah.
“Based on what police have revealed in the reports, the suspects came in from Sandakan. The route they took and how they ended up in Kuala Lumpur need to be highlighted so that measures can be taken to prevent others from coming into the country,” he said.
Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Mohamad Fuzi Harun had said seven suspected Abu Sayyaf terrorists, all Filipinos, were arrested on Sept 14 in Kuala Lumpur where they worked as security guards.
A source with the police said the suspects may have entered the country via Labuan or used genuine documents before acquiring fake ones in Kuala Lumpur.
“They would have either used genuine documents, their passports, or fake documents that could not be detected, or take flights via Labuan,” he said, adding that the screening process here and on the island might be “different”.
“Those flying from Kota Kinabalu to Kuala Lumpur would have to go through more stringent identity checks,” he said.
In Johor Baru, Malaysia Crime Prevention Foundation (MCPF) senior vice-chairman Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye questioned how the seven Filipinos went undetected and were able to bypass stringent vetting conducted on potential security guards.
“I am shocked. I urge the Home Ministry to investigate this and review the mechanics and methods for applying to work as a security guard,” he said.
Lee said all related agencies and organisations must take the issue seriously as it concerned the country’s security.
“Security personnel must be subjected to rigorous background checks. This is nothing new because there have been serious crimes committed by security guards in the past.”