[787] Of security checks in Malaysia

I am one of those people that have issues with security checks. I never pass a typical security check without failing it. Friends that had traveled with me more than once or twice can confirm this – those bastards even joke about it. They always joked, what is it between you and security check. I blame it on 9/11.

I failed security checks in New York. I failed it in Los Angeles. In San Francisco, Detroit, Washington D.C. Once in Stockholm during transit. Another in Singapore. The latest was Kuala Lumpur, yesterday, on my way to Khazanah Nasional office within the Petronas Twin Towers. That metal detector that everybody goes through is just my arch bane. This bane however has allowed me to make a comparison of some security measures taken by Malaysia with those implemented in Singapore and the United States.

In the US, each time I failed initial security check, I was subjected to further scrutiny; a thorough check. I had to take my shoes off, take my metal belt off and undergo an awkward body check. Not to mention, harassed by personal metal detector. The officers even went through my hand luggage. Too much hassle to say the least. They also would give my personal details extra attention. This is one of the reasons why I always tried to get to the airports in the US a few hours earlier. It would suck to miss a flight.

In Singapore, it’s about the same thing though not quite as strict as those in the US.

But in Malaysia, I think I could bring in a bomb with me, got caught at the metal detector, questioned by security personnel, then tell them that it isn’t a bomb and get away with it. I kid you not.

First case was at the airport when I first set foot in Malaysia for the first time in a bit over four years. I failed the metal detector and a security person asked me what may have triggered the alarm. I – already well-experienced the art of answering this type of questions – told the person that it could be my boot, or my belt. She believed it and let me go.

Second case was at the Singaporean border. At the Malaysian side. I’ve blogged about it earlier.

Third case occurred, as mentioned, at the Petronas Twin Tower. I duly failed the metal detector and the alarm went off. And the security officer duly asked “what do you have with you?” I said “nothing really” and he simply let me go.

I’ve said it before and I’m saying it again: our security is badly lagging. One day, a real terrorist might be tiptoeing right down our nose and pull a real attack unless we buck up.