KUCHING: More People’s Vigilante Corps (Rela) members will be recruited to specifically look after the security of rural airports, said Deputy Transport Minister Jelaing Mersat.
According to him, the government has started using Rela members to look after airport security at Long Banga in April.
“We are seriously looking at the security aspects of airports,” Jelaing told a press conference yesterday.
He added that at the moment six Rela members are deployed each time at a rural airport such as the ones in Bario, Long Banga and Long Akah.
Earlier on, he launched MASwings and Malaysia Airport Berhad (MAB) joint safety, security and health campaign at Kuching International Airport.
The two-day programme was aimed at reinforcing safety and security measures to prevent injuries and fatalities.
Jelaing revealed that training for Rela members deployed at airports would be conducted by airport authorities.
According to him, previously security at rural airports was very lax, relying mostly on the locals.