EXPERTS: INCREASE SECURITY AT TERMINALS
Airport personnel should be trained in basic behavioural analysis, says criminologist
EXPERTS have called for increased security measures at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) terminals following the shooting incident yesterday.
Help University Institute of Crime and Criminology director Datuk Seri Akhbar Satar said that besides reviewing the current security procedures, it was high time that airport security personnel be trained in basic behavioural analysis and detection.
He said this allowed trained officers to observe the individuals’ behaviour, body language and interactions to identify potential threats that need further investigation.
He also called for the use of technology such as facial recognition systems for a long-term approach as it allowed authorities to verify suspicious individuals where they would receive appropriate level of risk-based screening.
“An omnipresence of security officers at the airport that are more alert and professional and not just stand around all day is also needed.
“It is also important to strengthen procedures on gun licence issuance with thorough background checks.”
Crime analyst Kamal Affandi Hashim said the incident demonstrated that any place could become a location for criminals to commit crime.
“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 was needed and enhanced measures must be taken.
“To prevent such incidents, increasing the presence of security personnel, use of weapon-detecting dogs and improving the efficiency of closing exit routes from the terminal can be considered.
“However, there is no need to restrict public movement in open areas such as the arrival and departure halls,” he said.