Malaysia Airports had the first of their K9 units on show at Kuala Lumpur International Airport Terminal 1 (KLIA T1) today, 21st October 2026, with K9 operations inside the terminals scheduled to begin on 26th October. K9 units will be deployed at strategic locations within its terminals as part of 17 measures to strengthen airport security, enhance the detection of prohibited items and reinforce deterrence in high-traffic public areas and restricted zones.
Passenger interaction with K9 units
Deployment will cover three key areas, the Departure Hall, the Arrival Hall and the baggage sorting area which will complement existing security arrangements, the Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency (AKPS),the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) and Royal Malaysian Customs Department (RMCD).
If you’ve travelled outside Malaysia, you may already be familiar with seeing dogs ‘roaming’ the airport in these areas. Don’t worry, these are well trained working dogs. They are trained to detect particular things and if they come and sit quietly near you, just stand where you are. Don’t try to touch or pat the dog and don’t try to run away. They will not touch or bite you, but their handler will be nearby and you may be approached by the appropriate security personnel.
An example: Australia is very strict with entry of food, plant and animal materials. One woman with a child had a dog sit beside her carry-on bag in the customs hall and was politely asked to go to the inspection area. She was horrified to realise the remains of a bread roll her child was eating was in her bag. Honest mistake and she had no penalty.
Managing Director of Malaysia Airports, Mohd Izani Ghani said that the deployment of K9 units complements existing security arrangements and allows Aviation Security (AVSEC) personnel to remain focused on their core responsibility of safeguarding airport users and facilities.
Specific K9 skills for different areas
The K9 units will also be stationed at check-in areas to aid in early detection of prohibited items and potential security threats associated with targeted flights. In addition, they will be deployed at the Customs inspection area to assist in detecting prohibited items, drugs and smuggled goods. Designated rest areas have also been identified at these locations, with handlers on hand to attend to the K9 units between patrols.
Outside public areas, K9 units will also be deployed in the baggage sorting area to support security checks on checked baggage before it is loaded onto aircraft or transferred to the baggage reclaim area, extending security coverage to back-of-house operations.
KLIA will coordinate with the relevant agencies on operational procedures, including the development of standard operating procedures (SOPs), designated access arrangements for K9 units and handlers, and the provision of appropriate support facilities within the terminals. Operations during a pilot phase will be used to assess the effectiveness of the selected locations and identify any adjustments required to passenger flows and deployment schedules.
images used with permission ©KL International Airport Facebook page.
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