The suspect was apprehended by Kelantan police on Monday, April 15, at 3 pm, following his escape from KLIA after the incident. He has since been remanded for seven days after a Magistrate’s Court in Kota Baru granted the police’s application for remand on Tuesday
Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) Terminal 1, the National Security Council (NSC), police, and Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad (MAHB) are set to collaborate on enhancing security measures. Transport Minister Anthony Loke announced that discussions would be held to seek advice from the police on tightening security protocols.
Loke highlighted the presence of both airport police and auxiliary police under the airport operators, noting plans for improvements in their operations. While the consideration of installing metal detectors at airport entrances was raised, Loke mentioned that this would require further deliberation and is not currently on the agenda.
He emphasised the need for comprehensive discussions involving all stakeholders, particularly between MAHB and the police, to explore specific security measures. Loke expressed confidence in the swift action taken by the police in response to the recent incident and assured that consultations with MAHB would be conducted promptly.
Regarding the implementation of future security measures, Loke stated that MAHB would oversee the process, given its implications for airport operations and standard procedures.
The recent incident at KLIA Terminal 1 sparked chaos when gunshots were heard in the arrival hall. The incident, which occurred at 1:20 am, involved the targeting of Farah Md Isa, a travel agency owner awaiting the return of her clients. A firecracker was initially thrown in her direction, causing injuries to two bystanders. Subsequently, two shots were fired at Farah Cie, one of which hit her bodyguard who shielded her, sustaining a gunshot wound to the stomach. The assailant then fled to his car parked at Block C of the airport carpark.
The suspect was apprehended by Kelantan police on Monday, April 15, at 3 pm, following his escape from KLIA after the incident. He has since been remanded for seven days after a Magistrate’s Court in Kota Baru granted the police’s application for remand on Tuesday.
Selangor police chief Comm Datuk Hussein Omar Khan expressed concerns about potential security vulnerabilities, particularly in the inner lane closest to the entry doors of the arrival and departure lobbies. He highlighted previous police recommendations to restrict public access to this inner lane and suggested the consideration of installing metal scanners at all entry points, leaving the decision to the airport management.
Comm Hussein signifies the importance of stringent checks at entry points to mitigate security risks, noting disparities with airports overseas that employ scanners before entry. He emphasized the challenge of detecting prohibited items, such as fireworks, if stringent security measures are not in place.