Labuan Airport scanner breakdown causes delays, travellers forced to open luggage

Both units are currently out of order.

25 Feb 2026 04:26pm
A breakdown of luggage scanner machines at the Labuan Airport has caused inconvenience to thousands of travellers over the past few days, with passengers forced to manually open their luggage for inspection at the departure hall. Photo for illustrative purposes only - Pixabay
A breakdown of luggage scanner machines at the Labuan Airport has caused inconvenience to thousands of travellers over the past few days, with passengers forced to manually open their luggage for inspection at the departure hall. Photo for illustrative purposes only - Pixabay

LABUAN - A breakdown of luggage scanner machines at the Labuan Airport has caused inconvenience to thousands of travellers over the past few days, with passengers forced to manually open their luggage for inspection at the departure hall.

The airport is equipped with two scanner machines located on the ground floor, both of which have been in use for several years.

However, both units are currently out of order, resulting in Customs and Malaysian Quarantine and Inspection Services (MAQIS) officers carrying out physical inspections of departing passengers’ luggage.

Travellers have been making inquiries with airport authorities regarding the disruption, and a spokesman of Labuan Airport confirmed that both scanners are still out of order.

"The two luggage scanners are currently still under repair. Inspections (on passengers’ bags) are being carried out manually to ensure security and compliance requirements are met,” the spokesman said when contacted today.

The situation has resulted in extended waiting times, with many passengers expressing frustration over the delays and the need to unpack their belongings in public areas.

Labuan MP Datuk Dr Suhaili Abdul Rahman said the issue should not have occurred and called for immediate improvements.

"This should not have happened. The airport must have a proper backup plan in place to avoid such disruptions,” he told Bernama.

He added that the incident had tarnished the image of the duty-free island and created unnecessary inconvenience for travellers.

"Labuan is positioning itself as a tourism and business destination. Incidents like this give a negative impression and cause trouble to visitors and residents alike,” he said.

Suhaili urged the relevant authorities to expedite repairs and ensure contingency measures are implemented to prevent a recurrence. - BERNAMA

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