Man Arrested for Shooting at Kuala Lumpur International Airport

Hafizul Harawi, a 38-year-old man, was arrested for shooting at the arrival hall of Terminal 1 at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) in Sepang, Malaysia. The incident occurred around 1:20 AM on Sunday, April 14, where Hafizul threw a firecracker and fired two shots at his wife, but missed one shot and hit the stomach of one of his wife's bodyguards, leaving him severely injured. The shooting is believed to have stemmed from personal issues.

Hafizul fled the scene following the shooting but was later arrested in Kota Bharu, Kelantan on Tuesday, about 38 hours after the incident. Prior to the shooting, Hafizul had undergone a medical check-up in a private hospital in Kelantan to work in Saudi Arabia. The police have extended his remand until April 22 and are preparing charges against him.

Why this matters: The shooting incident at a major international airport raises concerns about security measures and the potential for violence in public spaces. It highlights the importance of effective law enforcement response and the need for enhanced safety protocols to protect travelers and airport personnel.

In response to the incident, security at KLIA 1 and 2 has been enhanced, with double the number of police officers, including General Operations Force personnel, deployed to the terminals. Patrols have been increased, with 23 personnel at KLIA and 14 at KLIA 2 per shift. The police are also considering the use of e-scooters for future patrols and the installation of metal scanners at all entry points. Discussions will be held between the police, National Security Council, and Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) to further enhance security measures at the airports.

Sepang district police chief Assistant Commissioner Wan Kamarul Azran Wan Yusof stated, "We have deployed our men around the Departure Hall and Arrival Hall areas of KLIA and KLIA 2 to enhance security control. The security measures involve uniformed officers fully armed with SMG HK MP5 and patrols at the eight entry and exit points of the KLIA Departure and Arrival Halls." The authorities are taking the incident seriously and are committed to ensuring the safety of all airport users.

Key Takeaways

• Man arrested for shooting at KLIA, injuring wife's bodyguard
• Shooting stemmed from personal issues, suspect fled but was later arrested
• Security enhanced at KLIA with more police, patrols, and potential metal scanners
• Police committed to ensuring safety of airport users after the incident
• Authorities to further discuss security measures with stakeholders