ONLY select individuals should be allowed to use the VIP lanes at the airport and not all government officers, the transport minister said today.

“Government officers were previously allowed to use the VIP lanes,” Anthony Loke said at a press conference at the Malaysian Aviation Commission (Mavcom) headquarters.

He said he has instructed Malaysia Airlines Holdings Bhd (MAHB) to tighten procedures on the use of VIP lanes.

“We need to ensure better procedures as the security over the VIP lanes is lax,” said Loke.

Loke said tighter security inspection would also be carried out on their bags.

“Previously, inspection of their luggage might not be so tight, but from now, on their luggage will have to go through tighter security inspection.” 

It was earlier reported that 1Malaysia Development Bhd funds had been taken out of the country using the VIP lanes at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA).

Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission deputy chief Azam bags had said some RM49.5 million was believed to have been smuggled through KLIA before the general election.

The MACC has detained Malaysian External Intelligence Organisation director-general Hasanah Abdul Hamid and eight officers over abuse of power and misappropriation of government funds.

Hasanah was remanded for six days from August 29 and has been released on MACC bail. – September 4, 2018.