KLIA Terminal 1 moves scanning machines to departure gates, cutting queue times and boosting detection of smuggled goods like drugs and currency.
SEPANG: The relocation of scanning machines at Kuala Lumpur International Airport Terminal 1’s departure gates has enhanced security detection and eased passenger congestion.
Royal Malaysian Customs Department director-general Datuk Anis Rizana Mohd Zainudin said the change eliminates a previous checkpoint at the link bridge.
Passengers now proceed directly to the gate screening security handled by Malaysia Airports Aviation Security for checks before departure.
“If scanning or security checks detects anything suspicious, including drugs, currency, wildlife, financial instruments or contraband, passengers and their items will be handed to the Customs and related agencies for action under legal provisions,” she said.
Anis Rizana said the initiative resulted from collaboration between Customs and AVSEC, improving scanning based on risk assessment and intelligence.
She noted a significant decline in outbound drug smuggling cases from December 2023 to December 2025.
The Customs Department also received a letter of appreciation from the South Korea Customs Service for curbing prohibited substance smuggling.
“Overall, these improvements not only contribute to security and legal compliance, but also ensure smoother and more orderly passenger movement,” she added.
The move supports the Visit Malaysia Year 2026 campaign by providing a more comfortable travel experience for international tourists.
Customs officers previously stationed at the link bridge inspection area have been reassigned to the Arrival Hall.
KLIA Terminal 1 Operations General Manager Abd Hasman Abd Muhimin said over 60 high-technology scanning machines are now installed at international departure gates.
He said shifting the inspection process helps reduce queuing time by between five and eight minutes during peak hours.
This provides a better travel experience for passengers departing from KLIA Terminal 1.
