Malaysia’s MATTA calls on airports to use full - body scanners

TIN news:    The Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA) has put forward its opinion to use full-body scanners instead of manual frisking at Malaysian airports.
The proposal comes after Malaysian politician Dr Marcus Mojigoh raised concerns in the Dewan Rakyat, lower house of the Parliament of Malaysia, about body checks by security personnel at airports.
In response to the question, Malaysia Deputy Transport Minister Datuk Abdul Aziz Kaprawi said the matter would be brought to the attention of Malaysia Airports Holdings, reported The Star Online.

"A pat down by a male officer can be revolting and unacceptable by most people."

MATTA president Datuk Hamzah Rahmat was quoted by the publication as saying that manual frisking by airport security personnel could give passengers an impression that they were being suspected for some reason.
Rahmat added: "As safety ought to be given top priority, our airport police should be equipped with scanners and not use hands to run over a person's body. A pat down by a male officer can be revolting and unacceptable by most people.
"However, they would be appreciative if scanners are used and even grateful for the safety and security precautions taken."
Aziz Kaprawi said that manual frisking will help in better detection of explosives, the Sundaily reported

The support for using full-body scanners at several international airports has increased after airline bombing attempts in the 2000s.