Kuala Lumpur: Security measures have been significantly heightened at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC) here for the 46th ASEAN Summit, with the deployment of facial recognition systems, bomb detection units, and anti-drone technology to ensure the safety of delegates and authorised personnel.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Bukit Aman Internal Security and Public Order Department Deputy Director (Operations), DCP M.V. Sri Kumar, stated that the facial recognition system is being used to ensure that only authorised individuals have access to the summit venue. The system scans faces of individuals pre-registered for the event and also detects the accreditation passes used to prevent unauthorized access.
Sri Kumar mentioned that public cooperation has been encouraging, thanks to widespread announcements about the enhanced security. These measures include a bomb detection unit conducting routine patrols around the venue and inside meeting rooms, equipped with advanced devices capable of detecting explosives, including those using radioactive materials or hazardous liquids. Detection dogs are also deployed to identify potential explosive threats.
Furthermore, the police are enforcing a no-fly zone for drones around the KLCC area unless prior approval has been obtained. The Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) is utilizing drone detectors capable of identifying unauthorised aerial devices, and drone jammers that can disrupt drone signals within a one- to two-kilometre radius. Although there have been no attempts to fly drones without approval so far, the PDRM's Drone Unit is prepared to act immediately in such cases.
Sri Kumar explained that if criminal elements are involved in unauthorized drone operations, prosecution under the Penal Code may be initiated. Otherwise, the drone will be handed over to the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) for operating in a restricted zone without a permit.
The 46th ASEAN Summit is being held under Malaysia's 2025 Chairmanship theme, 'Inclusivity and Sustainability'. This year marks Malaysia's fifth time chairing the regional bloc. The summit also includes the 2nd ASEAN-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Summit and the ASEAN-GCC-China Summit, highlighting increasing engagement between Southeast Asia and its strategic partners in the Gulf and China.