Passengers-only terminal to ensure safety, security - DPM

Malaysians should understand that a proposal to allow only passengers to enter airport terminals has been made with safety considerations in mind, said Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

The Deputy Prime Minister noted that the latest terror incidents showed that airports had now become targets, hence the need for security and safety issues not to be taken lightly.

However, he said the proposal to allow only passengers inside terminal buildings was still being studied by the Transport Ministry, he told Malaysian media here, Monday.

"It is still a proposal. But we must learn lessons from recent incidents at international airports," he said.

Airports in Belgium and Turkey were recently targeted by suicide attacks, raising concerns about airport safety, including in Malaysia.

Ahmad Zahid, who is Home Minister, said efforts had been made to enhance airport security in Malaysia, including increasing the number of plain clothes police and military personnel, deployed under the National Blue Ocean Strategy.

The Cabinet, in its meeting recently proposed that only passengers be allowed at the check-in counters while those sending them off should be outside the building or allowed to be at a particular place.