Recently, the Malaysian Maritime Department has installed 40 state-of-the-art luggage scanners at major national entry points, with a total investment of 40.72 million ringgit. Anis Rizza, the Director General of Customs, announced at a press conference on September 27 that these scanners equipped with artificial intelligence (AI) technology have significantly enhanced the detection capabilities for passenger luggage and items, effectively combating smuggling activities, including the smuggling of prohibited items such as drugs.
Image source note: The image is generated by AI, authorized service provider Midjourney
She mentioned that these 40 scanners were installed between May and June and can quickly and accurately identify items within luggage, helping the Customs Department reduce loopholes and increase revenue. Anis also stated that these new devices will enhance the Customs' capabilities in identification and image analysis, making inspections of smuggling trends of prohibited items more efficient.
Regarding the procurement method, Anis mentioned that this time they opted for a leasing method instead of the previous direct purchase, which includes maintenance costs, ensuring that the equipment can be promptly repaired when it malfunctions, thereby improving overall efficiency.
The new scanners also feature a dual-view, dual-energy system, suitable for checking hand luggage and small checked luggage. The dual-view design allows images to be displayed simultaneously from the side and top, enabling staff to observe the contents of the luggage more comprehensively.
As of now, the introduction of these new devices has brought the total number of scanners at Malaysian major entry points to 66, with a cumulative procurement amount of 84.3 million ringgit. Anis revealed that since the new scanners were put into use, Customs officers have successfully detected multiple smuggling cases through the analysis of scan images. For example, at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) Post and Courier Center, Customs officials discovered eight cases involving the smuggling of licorice and cannabis worth 577,625.20 ringgit. Additionally, in June and August of this year, Customs also successfully intercepted 5.252 kilograms of heroin worth 492,375 ringgit and 65,160 ringgit in cash smuggling at the integrated building of Immigration, Customs, Quarantine, and Security (ICQS) in Pelas.
Anis further stated that the Customs Department is gradually phasing out old scanners and plans to continue installing more new high-tech scanning equipment at specific strategic locations this year and next year. Meanwhile, the Customs Department has also introduced body scanners using terahertz wave technology, which can detect hidden items on or inside passengers, including explosives and weapons. This technology allows for faster inspection processes, with passengers passing through the machines without stopping, thereby speeding up the passage at the first and second terminals of Kuala Lumpur International Airport.
Key Points:
🌐 40 new AI luggage scanners added, with an investment of 40.72 million ringgit, enhancing Customs detection capabilities.
💼 New equipment helps Customs discover multiple smuggling cases, including drug and cash smuggling.
🔍 Future plans include gradually phasing out old equipment and increasing high-tech scanning instruments to enhance entry security.
