By postcourieronline
In a decisive move to fortify the nation鈥檚 aviation sector, Aviation Minister Wake Goi has declared security as the paramount priority, issuing a stark warning that any breaches, particularly those involving bribery or the smuggling of illicit items, will be met with immediate and severe consequences. The minister鈥檚 unyielding stance targets a range of stakeholders, from security personnel and their employers to charter flight operators and crew members.
Mr. Goi emphasized that the integrity of security at all airport terminals is non-negotiable. He stated that any security officer found to have allowed a prohibited item, such as a gun, to bypass screening checkpoints will face instant termination. The minister鈥檚 warning extends to the security companies themselves, with a clear message that if their officers are implicated in such corrupt practices, the company鈥檚 contract will be terminated.
鈥淪ecurity priority number 1 it must be at the very highest level,鈥 stated the Minister, underscoring the gravity of the issue beyond the smuggling of drugs or weapons. He expressed deep concern over bribery corrupting the system, making it clear that any security personnel involved will be dealt with decisively. 鈥淭his warning to leaders or anybody involve with security first time committed firm severity of the offence or weapon illegal items this officer or second time will dismiss them鈥.
The minister鈥檚 crackdown also encompasses chartered flights and operations at rural airstrips. Any officer discovered assisting with the transport of illegal items on these flights will be fired immediately. Furthermore, if a company is repeatedly involved in such incidents, it will lose its contract.
Aviation owners, pilots, and their crews are also firmly in the minister鈥檚 sights. Mr. Goi has mandated that National Airport Corporation (NAC) managers at all 22 airports, as well as those overseeing rural airstrips, ensure proper and thorough checks are conducted. Should illegal items like drugs be discovered on an aircraft, the aviation owner, the pilot, and the crew will all face charges for transporting them. This zero-tolerance policy also extends to the smuggling of other high-value items, with the minister explicitly stating that security involved in gold smuggling will also be 鈥渄ealt with鈥.
Minister Goi also reminded all aviation employees of their fundamental responsibility to prioritize the safety of the travelling public on both domestic and international flights. He stressed that all personnel must adhere strictly to the standards and requirements set by civil aviation authorities or face losing their jobs9. 鈥淐omply you as an employee your not an employer if any requirement or standard you will lose your job after your dealing with safety of people,鈥 he concluded.