SUBANG (Aug 13): Malaysian investigators have been granted access by the Indonesian authorities to question the pilot detained in Jakarta last month in connection with a drug trafficking case.

Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said the development would pave the way for further investigation, although it was still in its early stages.

He said the ministry had been briefed by Bukit Aman Narcotics Criminal Investigation Department (NCID) director Datuk Hussein Omar Khan on the latest developments in the investigation.

“It is still ongoing. Let them complete the process first, and I will also share any new developments from the investigation later,” he told a press conference here on Thursday.

Meanwhile, he said a comprehensive plan to strengthen security controls at the country’s airports is scheduled to be presented to the Cabinet next Wednesday.

Saifuddin Nasution said he had been briefed by Home Ministry secretary general Datuk Dr Awang Alik Jeman, who chaired an inter-agency meeting to finalise the plan.

“I gave them two weeks from last week to finalise the plan. Barring any changes, I will present it at the next Cabinet meeting together with the transport minister,” he said.

The 39-year-old Malaysian pilot was arrested by Indonesian authorities at Terminal 3 of Soekarno-Hatta International Airport on suspicion of attempting to smuggle 25 kilogrammes of drugs.

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