KUALA LUMPUR — Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Ibrahim has called on relevant ministries and agencies to tighten controls and strengthen security measures at all airports and entry points across the country.
These measures were important to curb drug smuggling and prevent cross-border criminal activities that could threaten national security and public order, said a post on Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar’s Facebook page today.
“Security at the country’s entry points must always be strengthened through more effective enforcement, continuous monitoring and close cooperation among all relevant agencies,” Sultan Ibrahim said.
His Majesty issued this royal decree during an audience with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim at Istana Bukit Tunku which lasted more than an hour.
Last week, a Malaysia Airlines pilot was arrested in Jakarta, Indonesia, over an alleged attempt to smuggle 25 kg of ecstasy pills through the Soekarno-Hatta International Airport.
Indonesia’s Directorate General of Customs and Excise released CCTV footage which showed the 39-year-old suspect, wearing a pilot’s uniform, retrieving a large silver hard-shell suitcase from the baggage carousel while pulling along a second black suitcase. At the customs clearance area, the suspect entered a designated fast-track lane for flight crew before being directed to the customs inspection room after officers identified him through risk profiling. Officers examining his luggage were videoed removing packages containing the drugs while questioning the suspect.
It was reported that the pilot also tested positive for methamphetamines, MDMA and cocaine, although he had not flown any aircraft on that day. He was also found with a bottle of uncontaminated urine, presumably to use in case of a drug urine test.
According to Indonesian authorities, the suspect admitted during questioning that this was his third attempt to smuggle drugs, with two attempts involving Indonesia and one involving Malaysia.
Malaysian police, the airlines and other authorities are currently investigating how the pilot managed to get pass security screening with the drugs in his luggage. – August 8, 2026