KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia wants the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) to play a role in giving complete information to all airlines on safe routes when flying over conflict zones.
Referring to the Malaysia Airlines' Flight MH17 tragedy that crashed in eastern Ukraine back in 2014, Transport Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said the incident was uncalled thus airlines should be made aware of the risk of the routes they are using.
"All airlines should know whether it is okay to fly over the routes taken, something we want ICAO to take the lead and make sure we receive the correct information at all times," he said after the launch of the Aviation Security World Conference here today.
Liow said they will work together with international bodies in providing and sharing information.
When asked about the safety and security level of airports in the county, he said they were well prepared and have raised alert the system following the recent airport attacks in Brussels, Belgium and Turkey.
He added that they have also strengthened the air site and land site safety procedures.
"All of us here today want to share information, that is the way forward to counter terrorism.
"Airports Council International (AIC), International Air Transportation Association (IATA), ICAO and all members states are to work together, to prevent terrorism and any attacks at our airports and prioritise the safety of our passengers," he said.
Liow added that it was also crucial for Home Ministry to share information with the Transport Minstry in order to get the latest information on any dangers or risk, and then relay it to the international aviation sector and other member states.
Over 400 security experts will be participating in this year's three-day conference, including those from airline and airport manage, aviation security consultants, security personnel as well as representatives from government agencies and government worldwide.
Among those present were ICAO secretary-general Dr Fang Liu, IATA director-general Alexandre de Juniac and ACI director-general Angela Gittens.