Airport may get new security

Security fences may be installed at a central X-ray checkpoint for Chek Lap Kok airport staff under a proposal drawn up after Monday's hostage-taking drama.

Aviation Security general manager Sidney Chau Foo-cheong said yesterday a number of proposals were suggested during meetings to review the security issue over the past two days. The review was carried out following the drama on Monday when a 29-year-old man held a Nepali cleaning worker hostage on board a Cathay Pacific Boeing 747 for 2.5 hours after forcing his way through the staff passageway with an air pistol.

Government and airport officials who met to review the incident admitted there was nothing guards could have done to stop the man as they were not armed. Mr Chau said: "The security arrangements at the airport are very good by international standards. What we are looking at are ways to better prevent forcible entry. Police have already stepped up patrols at all entry points to the airport restricted area following the incident."

While the suggestion of arming security guards stationed at entrances to the restricted area is still being considered, Mr Chau - who is in charge of 2,650 security officers - said several proposals had been worked out. He said they were studying ways to improve liaison and co-ordination with armed Customs and Excise officers in case of emergency as they were the closest to security officers at checkpoints.

Mr Chau said they were also considering installing fences at the central X-ray screening point in the staff passageway. He said the gates at the staff security checkpoint near a loading area where the hostage-taker forced his way through would be closed with only those with permits allowed in. A new hotline was being tested to allow security guards to call the airport police station directly instead of sending a message through their control centre.

However, sources said the installation of extra facilities may be delayed by red tape from the Airport Authority and the Government, which owns the non-profit making security company.

The Security Bureau is expected to hold a briefing next week on security and safety arrangements at the airport, which experienced another scare last month when a traveller walked past security officials unchecked before being arrested while trying to force his way on to a flight.

The alleged hostage-taker has been charged with false imprisonment and the case has been adjourned to Monday for a psychiatric report. Tsuen Wan Court heard on Wednesday that the man, known only as Todd, told police he was from a Southeast Asian village called Hassan, but did not know which country he was from. Since his arrest he has spoken only English and poor Putonghua.