Hafizul Harawi, a 38-year-old suspect, was arrested in Kota Bharu, Kelantan after allegedly targeting his estranged wife in a shooting at Kuala Lumpur International Airport on Sunday. He opened fire at the entrance of the arrival hall, injuring his wife’s bodyguard but missing her. Two members of the public were also injured as the suspect lit and threw firecrackers during the attack. The bodyguard is reported to be in stable condition in the hospital following the shooting.
The police refrained from engaging the suspect at KLIA to avoid jeopardizing public safety. Selangor police chief Hussein Omar Khan stated that it was better to let the suspect leave and ensure the safety of the crowded area rather than engaging in a potential shootout. The suspect had a personal vendetta against his wife, who was in the process of getting a divorce. Statements from 11 witnesses, including the wife, police, and airport security personnel, have been recorded, with more interviews planned.
Tightened security measures are being implemented at KLIA to improve efficiency and ensure the safety of its visitors. Electric scooters will be used by police officers to enhance their response time and allow for wider patrols. Additionally, scanners will be proposed to detect prohibited items such as firecrackers and firearms. Currently, there are lax controls for entering the airport, leading to the recommendation of stricter security measures to prevent individuals from endangering civilians.
Suggestions to improve security at KLIA include installing scanners and closing corridors near arrival and departure gates. The vehicle parking lane near these gates poses a high risk, as individuals can easily enter the airport without proper controls. Closing off these areas and enforcing stricter measures would enhance the overall safety of the airport. The proposal has been made by the police for some time, as it is crucial to maintain security and prevent undesirable acts within the airport vicinity.
Overall, the arrest of the suspect in the shooting incident at KLIA has prompted a review of security measures at the airport. Recommendations such as using electric scooters, installing scanners, and closing off certain areas have been put forward to enhance safety and security for visitors. The incident highlighted the importance of proactive measures to prevent future threats and ensure the well-being of everyone at the airport. With these improvements in place, authorities aim to create a secure environment for travelers and staff at KLIA.
