Missing flight exposes security loopholes

After reading newspaper interviews of family members of those on board the missing flight,
as well as touching postings on the Internet, like many others, I am worried and sincerely
praying for a miracle.
The disappearance of Malaysian Airlines MH3! flight remains a mystery. However, search
and rescue "#A$% work is currently the top priority and thus, resources should be focused on
the #A$.
#econdly, more staff members, counselors and medical personnel should be arranged to assist
families of those on board while more financial and material assistance should also be
provided to help them get through this difficult and suffering period, healing their
psychological wounds.
The world&s attention is now focusing on Malaysia and the families also hope that the
authorities can complete the #A$. At this moment, we should enhance the crisis management
mechanism, be brave to bear the responsibility, show the country&s ability and continue the
search until the flight is found.
The #ubang Air Traffic 'ontrol 'entre lost contact with the aircraft at about (.))am on
March * but MA# reported it missing only at am. The slow response was severely criticised.
The International 'ivil Aviation +rgani,ation "I'A+% provides that once a flight losses
contact for more than 3! seconds, the airlines must immediately make a report as late
notification would hinder prompt #A$ and miss the #A$ golden hours.
The Malaysian authorities held a press conference only at -pm, saying that Malaysia had
contacted maritime related departments of 'hina, .ietnam, /hilippines and Indonesia to
assist in searching for the missing flight. However, the 'hinese government had already
started an emergency mechanism in the morning.
It showed that there are still many shortcomings in our crisis management mechanism. 0id
MA#, 0epartment of 'ivil Aviation "0'A% or related units fail to comply with the operating
procedures, or lack a sense of crisis1
The incident involves )32 lives, and the authorities have been handling it too slowly.
The families have been in great an3iety and thus, the 0'A and MA# should clearly inform
them the actions they take to pacify them. +nly honesty and transparency can help in
avoiding the spread of rumours.
4nfortunately, before the reason behind the disappearance of the flight is clear, it was found
that two passengers have actually boarded the flight with stolen passports. Although we are
unable to conclude that the flight&s disappearance is related to the two passengers, or
terrorism, it has still e3posed the security loopholes in 56IA.
According to Interpol, the two Australian and Italian passports were lost in Thailand in )!()
and )!(3 respectively and were later added to the Interpol database of stolen and lost
passports. 0id the Immigration 0epartment connect to the database or use the database
information to strengthen security1
+nly after security flaws were e3posed, the government started investigation while the
Immigration 0epartment enhanced its security at airport checkpoints. It has always been the
authorities& way of handling. However, omissions might recur after the flight disappearance
incident is settled.
7e can no longer deny and evade serious forgery problem in the country. It is believed that
many foreigners have entered Malaysia or overstayed with false documents. The unblocked
loopholes could be a threat to national security.
In short, the disappearance of MH3! is a lesson. It tells us to keep vigilant and to minimise,
or even make it ,ero accident. There must also be a response and management mechanism in
the event of an accident.
The flight missing incident is a serious blow to the country, MA# and tourism, particularly
Malaysia is having its Tourism 8ear and celebrating the -!th anniversary of formal ties with
'hina this year. The government must minimise the damage.
In this era with close global contacts, busy flights and political instability, the related units
must be well prepared to face une3pected incidents. It will hit the country&s image if we fail
to properly handle it.
#earch the aircraft first, and correct the errors. 7e have no way to shirk the responsibility.