The suspect in the shooting targeting his estranged wife at Kuala Lumpur International Airport has been arrested, identified as Hafizul Harawi, 38, who was apprehended in Kota Bharu, Kelantan. He allegedly opened fire at the Terminal 1 arrival hall, injuring a bodyguard and two members of the public. The bodyguard is reported to be in stable condition in the hospital. Police refrained from engaging the suspect at the airport to avoid jeopardizing public safety, as the area was crowded and a potential shootout could have endangered innocent bystanders, including children.
The shooting sparked a nationwide manhunt and tighter policing measures at Malaysia’s borders and states. The police had refrained from engaging the suspect at the airport to prevent further escalation of the incident. The suspect reportedly had a personal vendetta against his wife, with whom he was in the process of getting a divorce. Police have interviewed multiple witnesses, including the suspect’s wife, policemen, and airport security personnel, and are continuing their investigations to gather more evidence about the incident.
In response to the shooting incident, the Selangor police chief has highlighted the need for tightening security measures at Kuala Lumpur International Airport and increasing the efficiency of police personnel. Plans include equipping police officers with electric scooters to enhance their response time and patrolling capabilities. Additionally, there are proposals to install scanners at the airport to improve security control and detect prohibited items such as firecrackers or firearms. Tighter controls are needed in the landside area of the airport to prevent individuals from bringing dangerous items that could harm civilians.
The recommendation to close corridors near the airport gates and enhance security measures in the vehicle parking lane near the arrival and departure gates is aimed at reducing the risk of unauthorized entry into the airport premises. Tighter controls and monitoring in these areas would make it more difficult for individuals to carry out harmful acts. The police have emphasized the importance of implementing these security measures to protect civilians and ensure the safety of those using the airport facilities. The proposed changes aim to enhance overall security at Kuala Lumpur International Airport and prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
