World · Malaysia Bureau
MP demands accountability for RM700m scanner programme as ketamine seizure raises questions
A Malaysian parliamentarian has called on the government to explain the status of 69 border scanning devices announced in 2018, following a major ketamine bust that raises concerns about the equipment's effectiveness in combating smuggling.
LSN Malaysia ·
The lawmaker questioned whether the scanners, part of a RM700 million initiative to strengthen Malaysia's anti-smuggling capabilities, remain operational and effective at ports of entry. The inquiry follows a significant drug seizure that has sparked renewed scrutiny over the country's border security infrastructure.
The 69 scanning units were introduced as a centrepiece of efforts to detect contraband and narcotics crossing Malaysia's borders. However, years after their deployment, questions persist regarding their maintenance, utilisation rates, and impact on interdiction efforts.
The timing of the query coincides with heightened concern among lawmakers about the effectiveness of Malaysia's customs and border security apparatus. Officials have not yet provided a comprehensive public accounting of the equipment's operational status or performance metrics since the programme's rollout.
The development underscores ongoing debates about resource allocation and oversight in Malaysia's war on drugs and smuggling. Authorities have pledged to strengthen border controls, but critics argue that investment in technology must be matched by transparency and accountability measures to ensure public funds are being deployed effectively.