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Following a huge computer chip theft at a cargo facility in Penang, Malaysia on November 20, the chief minister for Penang has said that the nation’s Transport Ministry needs to revisit security systems and procedures at airports and maritime ports. The US$13 million theft took place at the MASKargo complex, when 20 armed thieves dressed in security uniforms broke in, forced cargo workers to drink a liquid laced with chloroform, and loaded the Intel computer chips onto two trailers. Chief Minister Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon had already met with the agencies in charge of security at the complex – including Malaysia Airlines and the Department of Civil Aviation – on the need to upgrade systems and procedures to secure sensitive cargoes. He also urged freight forwarding companies to improve their own security. Chairman of the Airfreight Forwarders Association Walter Culas told Agence France Presse that the thieves may have collaborated with international crime syndicates to dispose of the stolen goods after the theft. Intel said that none of its customers would be inconvenienced as the company has implemented contingency plans for such an event. |
