NEW YORK: Malaysia shared lessons it learnt from two civil aviation tragedies on how it responded to determine the causes and the need for increased preparedness as well as prevention.
Foregn Minister Datuk Seri Anifah Aman said Malaysia suffered two civil aviation disasters, namely the tragedies of MH370 and MH17, in a span of four months in 2014 and the experience provided instructive lessons.
He said this in his statement during the United Nations Security Council High Level Briefing on “Threats to International Peace and Security Caused by Terrorist Acts: Aviation Security”.
These would be relevant to the aims and objectives of Resolution 2309 adopted by the United Nations Security Council Resolution related to threats posed to aviation security by terrorism which constitutes to threats against international peace and security.
Anifah said the tragedies still hang heavy on the hearts of the people of Malaysia as they do in the hearts of the families and the loved ones of the victims.
“In this respect, I wish to elaborate on two key observations, with a view to sharing our experience. First, concerns the initial instinct or reflex of civil aviation authorities to investigate and determine – in both cases – whether they were caused by terrorism or other factors.
“In this regard, the immediate provision of expertise and assistance from both States and International Organisations including ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organisation) in determining probable causes were, in our view, crucial to dispel the notion that either MH370 or MH17 were brought down by acts of terror.
“Such quick action helped to maintain public perception and confidence.
“Second, is the need for increased preparedness and prevention capacity. Malaysia has introduced new security measures including deployment of hi-tech monitoring systems and additional security personnel across all international airports in Malaysia.”
The country had also taken steps to improve information and intelligence sharing by implementing the Advanced Passenger Information System and the Advance Passenger Screening System to provide early warning and curb possible travel of foreign tourist fighters.