Security issues top ASEAN talks

Security issues top ASEAN talks

MALAYSIA: Security issues dominated a meeting of Southeast Asian transport ministers in the wake of the terror attacks on the United States, an official in Kuala Lumpur said on Friday.

The meeting ended with the "unanimous" agreement of all delegates to boost transportation security measures in the region, Malaysian Transport Minister Ling Liong Sik said.

Earlier, in his opening speech, Ling said at no time in history had modern transportation had been inflicted with "such a severe setback and blow as that of the Sept. 11 events.

Ling said there was a need to step up security procedures to restore confidence in flying among passengers, and also a need to rationalize airline routes to cut costs. --AFP